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Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Cold Season

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A simple, cost-effective homemade elderberry syrup made with dried elderberries, honey, and warm spices. Perfect for immune support during cold season, this kid-approved recipe yields weeks worth of syrup with no artificial additives.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried elderberries
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon dried rose hips (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried echinacea root (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine berries, water, and spices: In a medium saucepan, add the dried elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and whole cloves. Stir to ensure berries are submerged.
  2. Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low immediately.
  3. Simmer gently: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half and the berries have plumped up.
  4. Mash the berries (optional but recommended): After 30 minutes, use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently press the berries against the side of the pot. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Strain the mixture: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large glass measuring cup or bowl. Line with cheesecloth if available. Carefully pour the hot liquid through the strainer. Let it drain naturally for a few minutes.
  6. Press for extra liquid: Once the dripping slows, gently press on the berries with the back of a spoon to extract remaining liquid. You should have about 2 to 2.5 cups of deep purple liquid. Discard spent berries and spices.
  7. Cool slightly: Let the strained liquid cool for 10 to 15 minutes until warm but not hot (115°F to 120°F if using a candy thermometer).
  8. Add the honey: Pour the raw honey into the warm elderberry liquid and stir gently until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust honey if needed.
  9. Bottle and store: Using a funnel, pour the finished syrup into clean glass jars or bottles, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Seal tightly and let cool completely before refrigerating.

Notes

Do not boil aggressively as it can make the syrup bitter and cloudy. Let the berries steep after turning off the heat for extra extraction. Sterilize jars properly to prevent mold. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools. For infants under 1 year, do not use honey; substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in ice cube trays.

Nutrition

Keywords: elderberry syrup, homemade elderberry syrup, immune support, cold season, natural remedy, elderberry recipe, honey syrup, winter wellness

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/homemade-elderberry-syrup-recipe-for-cold-season/