How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
It’s officially fall around here! I’ve been doing my best to get well and stay well. This amazing little secret is just the trick to incorporate into lots of secret ways to boost immunities. Let me show you how to make absolutely delicious homemade elderberry syrup that you can use in so many recipes. It’s also recognized as a natural health remedy, to support immune systems.
Some of my favorite ways to use elderberry syrup are to add it to muffins, pancakes like these, or yes even over ice cream. It also makes a great get well soon or even hostess gift. Just add a little tag and put it in a pretty mason jar or apothecary jar. It’s super easy to make too, so you can make up a large batch and keep it in the refrigerator for a daily dose or just a special treat.
ingredients YOU’LL NEED for MAKING elderberry syrup
- 2/3 cup of dried elderberries or you can use fresh elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of raw local honey (the more local the better)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- A thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Most of these ingredients you may already have in your pantry, except for the elderberries. These are good staple ingredients to stock up on for the holiday baking season while you’re at it. You never know when you will have last minute guests, or maybe just be in the mood to bake!
how to make AN EASY homemade elderberry syrup
- Place elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot or you can use your instapot.
2. Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes OR until mixture has reduced by half.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
4. Once mixture has cooled, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain berries by pressing all the juice out of them that you can by pressing berries down with a spatula or spoon.
4. Once all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the elderberries. Next, add 1 cup of the locally sourced honey to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Now, you just pour the syrup into a sealed mason jar and place it in the refrigerator. I like these resealable mason jars best!
See how easy that was? Are you ready to make a batch of your own? Don’t let it intimidate you. It’s really super simple.
Another way to make good use of elderberries is to make jam. Here is yummy recipe that you can easily make.
Ingredients for elderberry jam
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup local honey
HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY JAM
- Allow elderberries to soak in water overnight.
- In pot, bring berries, water, and lemon juice to a boil.
- Remove from heat and pour mixture, pectin, and honey into blender and blend until smooth.
- Return blended mixture to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir for 10 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and pour jam into canning jars. Cover and place in fridge overnight. The jam will solidify as it cools.
QUESTIONS ABOUT elderberry syrup
How long will elderberry syrup last?
Homemade elderberry syrup has a shelf life of 2-3 months if kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Can you freeze elderberries?
Yes. You can freeze elderberries for about 4-6 months. Any longer than this will affect the appearance and taste of the berries. You can also pour elderberry syrup in ice cubes for freezing! This is one of my favorite ideas! Make a few batches ahead of time, freeze them in ice cube trays and only use what you need when you need it! BOOM!
Benefits of elderberry syrup?
One cup of elderberries contains approx 106 calories and 26.68 grams (g) of carbohydrate. A cup also contains the following vitamins and minerals:
- 870 mg of vitamin A
- 406 mg of potassium
- 52.2 mg of vitamin C
- 9 mg of folate
- 55 mg of calcium
- 2.32 mg of iron
Elderberries are also an excellent source of fiber, containing 10.2 g of dietary fiber per cup.
Elderberry is reputed by some to be effective in treating the following:
- common cold
- flu
- constipation
- hay fever
- sinus infections.
- reduce blood pressure
- protect against cardiovascular disease
- lower blood cholesterol
- treat acne
- reduce wrinkles (they got me there on this one!)
How much elderberry syrup should you take?
The recommended dose is:
- Preventative: Children: take 1 tsp per day. Adults: Take one tablespoon per day.
- When ill: Take recommended dose 2-3x per day.
Should I use dried or fresh elderberries?
You can use fresh or dried elderberries for making syrup. Usually dried are easier to find in the stores year round.
Elderberries must be cooked before consuming, as the raw berries can also make you ill.
Where to buy dried elderberries?
- Amazon
- Some grocery stores carry elderberrries like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.
Even more elderberry recipes:
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If you are looking for more easy recipes, check out all my recipes here!
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- A thin metal or mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup of dried elderberries
- 3 Cups of water
- 1 Cup of raw local honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Place elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil reduce to low/simmer for 45 minutes OR until mixture has reduced by half.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Once mixture has cooled, using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain berries by pressing all the juice out.
- Once all the juice has been squeeze out, discard the elderberries.
- Add 1 cup of honey to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the syrup into a sealed mason jar.
How much does this make?
About 3 cups depending, but you can make as many batches as you like!