If you’re like me and have an abundant elderberry harvest this year, you may wondering how to make the most of these amazingly nutritious berries! You’ve come to the right place! Here’s how to make your very own elderberry syrup at home. Not only is it delicious, but elderberry syrup is also renowned for its immune-boosting properties. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups of fresh elderberries (or 1.75 cups dried)
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of raw honey
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, or a slice of fresh ginger for added spiciness and flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Elderberries: Remove the elderberries from the stems (a fork can be helpful for this). Rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any debris or tiny insects.
- Cook the Elderberries: Transfer the elderberries to a large saucepan and add the water. If you’re using optional spices, add them now. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Mash and Strain: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the elderberries and release any remaining juice. Then, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a glass bowl or large jug. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Add Honey: Allow the liquid to cool a bit before adding the honey. Stir until it’s well combined. The reason we add honey after the mixture has cooled slightly is to preserve the raw honey’s beneficial properties.
- Bottle Up: Pour your homemade elderberry syrup into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator.
Congratulations! You’ve just made your own elderberry syrup! It can be taken by spoonful directly, added to smoothies, or used as a pancake syrup.
If you do not currently have elderberry plants in your garden, you are missing out! Click here to get you elderberry plants so you can make delicious syrup!
