BrittLeaPunch

Elderberry Syrup

Making elderberry syrup at home is a wonderful way to capture the immune-boosting benefits of elderberries, especially during the cold and flu season. Here’s a simple recipe using elderberries you can pick from an elderberry tree or purchase dried.

Step 1: Harvest and Prepare Your Elderberries

• Pick fresh elderberries directly from the tree, if available. Look for dark, fully ripened berries, as unripe berries can be toxic.
• Remove stems carefully, as both stems and unripe elderberries contain compounds that can upset the stomach.
• Rinse the berries thoroughly and set them aside. If you don’t have fresh elderberries, you can use dried elderberries from a reputable source. You'll need about ¾ cup of dried elderberries for this recipe.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh elderberries (or ¾ cup dried elderberries)
• 4 cups water
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 slices of fresh ginger (or 1–2 teaspoons dried ginger powder)
• 5–6 whole cloves
• 1 cup raw honey (optional for sweetness and extra immune support)

Step 3: Simmer the Ingredients

• In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and cloves.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. The liquid should reduce by roughly half.
• Stir occasionally and lightly mash the elderberries with the back of a spoon to release their juices.

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

• Once the mixture has reduced and cooled slightly, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
• Press the berries to extract as much liquid as possible, discarding the solids afterward.

Step 5: Add Honey

• When the liquid is cool (warm but not hot), add 1 cup of raw honey and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust the honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter syrup.
• Honey not only adds flavor but also acts as a natural preservative. If you’re making syrup for children under one year old, skip the honey and add a different sweetener, like maple syrup, after cooking.

Step 6: Bottle and Store

• Pour the elderberry syrup into sterilized glass jars or bottles and refrigerate it for up to 2 months.
• For a longer shelf life, you can freeze portions in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults can take 1 tablespoon daily for general immune support and up to 3 tablespoons during illness.
• For children over one year, use 1 teaspoon daily and up to 3 teaspoons during illness.

Tips and Precautions

• Avoid using unripe elderberries or the bark, leaves, and stems, as they can cause digestive upset.
• Test a small amount first if you haven’t had elderberries before, as some people may be sensitive to them.
• Elderberry syrup is a fantastic addition to tea, sparkling water, or even homemade popsicles for added wellness benefits.

With this easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious elderberry syrup ready to boost your health and enjoy all season long!