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Why Elderberry Syrup?
What the heck is an elderberry, and can I eat it? Elderberries look like tiny dry clusters of blueberries on big, bushy shrubs. The commonly used medicinal varieties are the black and blue species found in North America, Sambucus nigra and Sambucus mexicana. Elderberries are a natural remedy that can boost your immune system, offering broad-spectrum support against a wide range of germs. They're supportive of the lungs, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system. And the tastiest way to take your elderberries is long-simmered into a syrup, with other tasty herbs and spices. Intrigued? Let us guide you through making your own winter kitchen delight! 🍇 🥄
Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps below to make your own elderberry syrup.
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
To enjoy the immune-boosting benefits of elderberry syrup, take 1-2 tablespoons daily for adults and 1 teaspoon daily for children. You can take it straight from the spoon or mix it into your favorite beverage or yogurt. If you feel a scratchy throat coming on, increase the dosage to every 2-3 hours until you feel soothed.
In Conclusion
Making your own elderberry syrup is super fun and will turn you into the kitchen witch you've always dreamt of being. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a potent ally that will help keep you healthy all year round. Get your favorite littles ones involved, helping add the honey and stir! Cheers to your healthy. 🍇 💪 🌱
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried organic elderberries
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1/4 cup dried organic rosehips (optional, for added Vitamin C)
- 1/4 cup dried organic hibiscus flowers (optional, for flavor and color)
- 1-2 teaspoons dried organic ginger root (optional, for a warming kick)
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground organic cinnamon
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup raw honey (adjust to taste)
Tools
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass jar with lid (for storage)
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Place the dried elderberries, water, and optional ingredients (rosehips, hibiscus flowers, ginger, and cinnamon) into a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about half. With this step, we are extracting the water-based constituents of the plant material, like vitamins and polysaccharides that support immune activity. You can simmer for longer ... What you're looking for is the liquid to reduce in volume by half.
Step 3: Strain your Brew
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Once the elderberries and friends have simmered, use a cloth towel or cheesecloth to gently press the plant material, releasing all the delicious herbal tea. Compost the herbs, or, as we call it in herbalism, the marc.
Step 4: Sweeten
Once the liquid has cooled to room temperature (to preserve the honey's nutrients), stir in the raw honey until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Honey not only adds a touch of sweetness but also acts as a natural preservative for the syrup.
Step 5: Store
Pour the elderberry syrup into a sterilized glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several months. Remember to label the jar with the date you made the syrup.
