RECIPE: Elderberry Syrup

Image by Maja Baska

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Elderberry syrup is one of our go to remedies in winter. Elderberries are naturally high in immune boosting compounds that have been shown to help fight cold and flu.

This is a basic recipe that can scale up or down. And it’s super easy to make!

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Ingredients:

  • 200g of dried elderberries

  • 900ml of water

  • 200g raw honey

  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger (optional)

  • 1 cinnamon quill (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon cloves (optional)

Method:

Place all ingredients except for the honey in a medium sized saucepan and bring to the boil.

Turn the heat down and simmer gently for 40 minutes.

Mash the berries with the back of a spoon.

Let it cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, strain through a sieve lined with muslin or cheesecloth into a glass jug or bowl.

Squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. You should end up with about 560ml liquid. If you end up with less than this, add boiled water to bring it up to 560ml.

Let the liquid cool to 35°C or lower before adding the honey. Mix well to incorporate.

Pour into sterilised jars/bottles.

Store in the fridge where it will keep for 1-2 months.

Note:

Not for use in children under one years old due to honey.

Dosage:

1 tablespoon daily for adults

1 teaspoon daily for children over one

If you are feeling unwell, take above dosage every 3-4 hours (up to 6 times a day).

RecipesJacinta Carmichael-Parissi