In an effort to get this recipe up online for those needing a tried and true recipe that utilizes either fresh or dried elderberries, I am making this quick post with the recipe. I plan to expand this in time, but since we are still in elderberry harvest season, the orchard calls and small fruit waits for nobody.
Need dried elderberries? Grab some of our farm fresh, from this seasons harvest, dried American elderberries HERE. Thank you for shopping small and choosing a farmer, not a distributor.
For a PDF printable version of the this recipe in letter size, please click the link below.
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INGREDIENTS
4 ounces dried elderberries
4 cups water
- OR -
1 lb or 3 cups of fresh or frozen, destemmed elderberries
1 cup of water
- AND -
1 cup local and raw honey
1 Tablespoon cinnamon chips
2 teaspoon dried ginger root
6 whole cloves
DIRECTIONS
Combine the herbs together in a pot with dried or fresh elderberries and water, then bring just up to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
Remove from heat and mash the berries in the pot. A potato masher works well.
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and squeeze the liquid out.
Add the honey to the mixture and return to a very low heat. DO NOT BOIL. Heat only enough to dissolve the honey.
Turn off the heat and let it cool completely before bottling in sterilized bottles or canning jars.
Some variations include:
Adding brandy or vodka (1 cup) once cooled to the syrup for a bedtime syrup.
Adding 1 Tablespoon dried orange peel or 1/4 cup fresh orange peel to the dried herbs prior to cooking.
Add 1 Tablespoon dried rose hips to boost vitamin C and/or 1 Tablespoon Echinacea root to the dried herbs prior to cooking.
How much do you take?
For myself, I like to take 1 Tablespoon daily to keep my immune system supported. Since my kids are under 12, I give them 1 teaspoon daily as we head into cold and flu season. During the onset of illness, I like to change it to 3-4 times a day instead with a maximum of 6 times daily. It's advised to never give honey products to children under 12 months.
What's your favorite version of elderberry syrup? Do you like spices, honey, maybe an alternative sweetener like agave- or something else? Leave a comment below and let us know! You'll be helping our blog grow and we appreciate the support.
Herbally,
Kirsten and Co.