Elderberry Syrup Elixir
Avoid colds and the flu and boost your immune system this season with our homemade elderberry syrup elixir. Keep your entire family healthy and strong.
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Ingredients
- 12 cups of elderberry juice
- 2 Tablespoons fresh organic ginger grated
- 1 Tablespoon organic cinnamon ground (or 1 cinnamon stick, grated)
- ½-1 cup local raw honey
Instructions
- Wash and clean the berries by rinsing them under cold water. Clean the leaves out then clip the berries off the large clump.
- If using a steamer juicer, don't bother removing the berries off the entire stem, however if you're using a pot, then you'll want to take the time for this step.
- Place the cleaned berries in the strainer portion of the steamer and allow the water to boil. Squish the berries with a potato masher a few times, then empty the juice into a large pot.
- Add the ginger and cinnamon, boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add honey, stir to dissolve.
- Ladle the hot liquid into hot sterile jars. (I like to use small jars, usually 1/2 pint)
- Have your rings warmed in boiling water, wipe jar top, lid, then ring your jars.
- Invert jars for 20 minutes.
- Turn back over and jars should seal. (I believe this is referred to as the “Russian” method of canning.)
- Feed the pulp to the chickens! I haven't found a use for elderberry pulp other than chicken feed, if you have one, please share!
Notes
- It is advisable to hot water bath the elixir for 15 to 20 minutes. I don’t because I don’t want to boil away any more nutrients than I already have. But again, this is just the way my mom taught me, please do what is best for you and your family! Do your own research and find your family’s best practices.
- Other ways to extract juice, are to boil the berries and then press through a sieve or cheesecloth.
- Elixir is done and shelf stable until you need it.
- I usually take 1-2 Tablespoons if I am exposed to the flu or feel the sniffles coming on for 3-5 days.