Elderberry Syrup
A time-held folk remedy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 2 tsp whole cloves
- 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger
- -optional 1/2 cup honey for sweetness added AFTER you reduce.
Instructions
- Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Pour the cooked berries and liquid through a fine mesh strainer, into a clean bowl, to strain out the berry skins. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard or compost the pulp that's left in the strainer.
- Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature. Stir in the honey, using a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.
Notes
Freeze in ice cube trays to cool down teas or hot water. Great way to add a boost of medicine.
Make candy* with the syrup by boiling with sugar and pouring into molds.
Add to any smoothie or popsicle recipe.
Take at least 1/2 oz a day when sick.
*Do research on recipes for candy -- there are plenty!