Homemade Elderberry Syrup

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This homemade elderberry syrup is a simple yet effective way to give your immunity a boost, particularly during cold and flu season. I keep this in stock all throughout flu season - anything to help beat the bugs!

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Homemade elderberry syrup is a popular recipe for these deep purple berries and is famously used for treating cold and flu symptoms. The elderberry, which is the fruit of the elderflower plant, is in season from about late August through to October (here in the Northern Hemisphere). Fortunately, dried elderberries are available year round for those not fortunate enough to be able to forage in the countryside for fresh berries.

For the homemade elderberry syrup recipe below, I have used dried elderberries for ease and convenience. This also means I can store them and make a batch of syrup when I need it, whatever the season. Elderberry syrup can be as simple steeping in water and adding sugar, although I like to flavour it with some citrus and spices - it makes the kitchen smell like Christmas!

Commonly, elderberry syrup is made in a very concentrated format, as a cordial, and then diluted to make a drink or even drizzled over yoghurt or desserts. The homemade elderberry syrup recipe below is a more dilute mixture that can be taken as is. To make a more concentrated syrup, you could double the ingredients with the same amount of water.

It's good practice to sterilise any jars or bottles before you transfer the syrup for storage. This is especially important the longer you plan to store your syrup - even in the fridge, bacteria can grow!

Here's what you'll need to make this homemade elderberry syrup:
(Click here to jump straight to the recipe)

50g dried elderberries
30g root ginger
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1/2 large orange
1 cinnamon stick
750ml filtered water
4 Tbsp runny honey (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 large orange

And here's what you'll need to do:

• Put the dried elderberries, root ginger, lemon and orange zests and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan.
• Add the water, give everything a stir, and bring to the boil over high heat.

• Turn down the heat, and simmer at a gentle roll for 20-30 minutes until the liquid has reduced by roughly a third.
  
• Meanwhile, juice the lemon and orange.

• Cool slightly, and strain the liquid into a large jug.
• Stir in the honey and the lemon and orange juice, straining the pulp if you like.

• Pour the syrup into a sterilised bottle, seal and store in the fridge when cool.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

By Wendy | Serves 4

Give your immunity a boost with this easy homemade elderberry syrup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 500ml
Course: Dietary Supplement
Cuisine: Modern European
Tags: Natural Remedy, Health Supplement

Ingredients

50g dried elderberries
30g root ginger
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1/2 large orange
1 cinnamon stick
750ml filtered water
4 Tbsp runny honey (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 large orange

Method

1. Put the dried elderberries, root ginger, lemon and orange zests and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan.
2. Add the water, give everything a stir, and bring to the boil over high heat.
3. Turn down the heat, and simmer at a gentle roll for 20-30 minutes until the liquid has reduced by roughly a third.
4. Meanwhile, juice the lemon and orange.
5. Cool slightly, and strain the liquid into a large jug.
6. Stir in the honey and the lemon and orange juice, straining the pulp if you like.
7. Pour the syrup into a sterilised bottle, seal and store in the fridge when cool.

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