Elderberry Syrup

People have celebrated elderberries for their remarkable health benefits, making them a star ingredient in numerous herbal remedies. From immune-boosting properties to a rich history steeped in tradition, these tiny, dark purple berries have earned their reputation as a nutrition powerhouse.  In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey into the realm of elderberries, shedding light on their secrets and uncovering how to craft elderberry syrup.

A Glimpse into the Past

People have cherished elderberries for centuries due to their medicinal properties. Historical records reveal their use in ancient Egyptian and Native American medicine, while Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, referred to the elder tree as his “medicine chest” due to its myriad of health benefits. The elderberry plant also has a rich cultural history, with various folklore tales associating it with protection and healing. In medieval Europe, people thought elder trees kept evil spirits away, and they highly valued elderberry wine and elderflower remedies for healing.

The Health Benefits of Elderberries

Elderberries contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, making them a potent natural remedy. Here are some of the key health benefits of elderberries:

1. Immune Support: Elderberries are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. They contain high levels of vitamins A and C, which help strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and illnesses.
2. Antioxidant Power: Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols—powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Cold and Flu Relief: Elderberry syrup is a go-to remedy for alleviating cold and flu symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can help ease congestion, reduce fever, and shorten the duration of illnesses.
4. Heart Health: The anthocyanins in elderberries may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Skin Health: The antioxidants in elderberries can help maintain youthful skin by protecting it from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants.

Why Choose DIY?

Elderberries and elderberry syrup saw a remarkable surge in demand during the pandemic due to their immune-boosting properties. There was a time when finding them in stores or online became nearly impossible. However, it’s worth noting that elderberries grow naturally on every continent except Antarctica. Crafting your own elderberry syrup not can save you a substantial amount of money. Additionally, it provides the reassuring knowledge that you won’t face unexpected shortages in the future, offering peace of mind.

In Conclusion

Elderberries and the elderberry syrup they yield are true treasures of nature. People have celebrated the wealth of health benefits offered by them for centuries. By taking the initiative to craft your own elderberry syrup you can harness the potency of these remarkable berries. Its a win-win whether you’re motivated by the health benefits, a love of DIY and foraging, or just budget-minded.

Elderberry Syrup

Recipe by Dakota Ovdan

Servings

Roughly 100, 1 tbsp

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

10

minutes

Prepare for flu season head-on with elderberry syrup. This syrup retails for as much as 5 dollars per ounce! Yet these magical purple berries grow wild on every continent excluding Antarctica! Dried berries can also be purchased for significantly cheaper than pre-made syrup.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of fresh or frozen elderberries (or 1 1/2 cups dried)

• 3 cups of water 

• 3 cups of sugar

• Juice from one lemon

• Herbs and Spices (optional)

• Ginger 1 tbsp or to taste

• Cinnamon 2 tsp or to taste

• Cloves 1 tsp or to taste

• Echinacea 2 tsp or to taste

Directions

• Add berries (free from stems and leaves) and water to a pot—option to add spices and herbs to taste. 
• Bring the pot to a boil then reduce to a simmer. While berries are simmering, use a potato masher to help break up the berries. Simmer till the liquid is reduced to half.
• Strain berries and seeds through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag. 
• Option to repeat steps 1 through 3 with the berry pulp to pull out the remaining juice.
• Add a 1 to 1 ratio of elderberry juice to sugar into a pot. Heat the pot on medium till the sugar dissolves then set to the side. 
• Once the syrup has cooled, add lemon juice then place syrup in a sanitized container(s). 
• Store the elderberry syrup in the fridge for up to three months. For longer storage, either freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray or can your syrup. Link to how to water bath can in the notes section. 

Notes

• If you prefer a thick consistency add more sugar, simmer longer, and/or add a arrowroot powder slurry of  1/4 cup of arrowroot powder and 1/2 cup of water to the syrup once the sugar is fully dissolved and then simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Click here for water bath canning instructions.
• If you decide to reduce the amount of sugar or lemon this will reduce the shelf life of your syrup.
• Leaves, stems and branches from the elderberry tree are toxic and must be picked out from berries before cooking.  Depending on the variety of elderberry the berries are toxic raw as well, but cooking will deactivate the toxin that results in adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.