Simple instructions for using foraged or purchased elderberries to make your own Elderberry Syrup. High in antioxidants, immunity boosting and delicious – it’s perfect to have on hand for the winter months.
A random Elderberry Tree has self-sown on the family farm. So, this year I made sure I got the berries before the birds. It required a little bit of lasso work to pull the branches down where we could reach the clusters, but with some effort, we got a really good harvest.
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When are Elderberries ready to harvest?
Elderberries are ready to harvest when the small berry is very dark purple, almost black, in colour. Different parts of the tree may be ready to harvest at different times depending on: when the flowers were pollinated, the amount of sun, or where they are on the tree.
Those that weren’t ready yet, I left in a jar of water still attached to the branch. After a few days of sitting in the sun, they too were ready to add to the mix.
Can you use other parts of the plant
With a delicate, subtle flavour the white flower of the Elderberry plant can also be harvested. Used fresh it makes a beautiful, edible garnish or decoration on top of cakes or desserts.
The elderflower can also be used to make Elderflower Syrup or hang a bunch of flowers upside-down in a paper bag for a few days to collect the dried flowers for a healthy, floral, remedy tea.
Tools you may need to make Elderberry Syrup
Kitchen scales, medium/large pot, wooden spoon, fine-mesh sieve or clean muslin cloth, heatproof jug, sterilized glass jar or bottle for storage.
Ingredients needed to make Elderberry Syrup
- Ripe Fresh Elderberries – washed, with all leaf and twig matter removed. (If you don’t have access to fresh elderberries, you can buy them dried from some wholefood stores.)
- Honey – equal parts
- Water – equal parts
How to make your own Elderberry Syrup from scratch
Step One
Weigh your fresh, clean elderberries. Then measure out the same weight in honey and water to have equal parts elderberries to honey to water (1:1:1).
Step Two
Place all ingredients into a medium/large pot (depending on size of mix). Over a gentle heat bring to a simmer. Stir regularly to avoid sticking.
Step Three
Once a gentle boil is reached, simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step Four
Using a fine-mesh sieve and/or muslin cloth – strain the liquid into a heat proof jug. Allow the berries to sit in the sieve until cool, then gently press with the back of a spoon to get out any remaining juice.
Pour the syrup from the jug into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Once completely cool, store in the fridge.
Ideas for using Elderberry Syrup
- Take 10mL daily, straight from the bottle, as an immunity booster during cold/’flu season. Great for kids as it’s so yummy they will love it.
- Add to smoothies for an extra antioxidant punch.
- Drizzle over vanilla ice-cream for a super easy dessert.
- Add a tablespoon to a glass of sparkling water for a healthy soda alternative.
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
- Add to my Homemade Apple Pop for another delicious fizzy option.
Enjoy!
Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup
High in antioxidants, immunity boosting and delicious - Elderberry Syrup is perfect to have on hand for the winter months.
Ingredients
- Ripe Fresh Elderberries - washed, with all leaf and twig matter removed. (If you don't have access to fresh elderberries, you can buy them dried from some wholefood stores.)
- Honey - equal parts
- Water - equal parts
Instructions
- Weigh your fresh, clean elderberries. Then measure out the same weight in honey and water to have equal parts elderberries to honey to water (1:1:1).
- Place all ingredients into a medium/large pot (depending on size of mix). Over a gentle heat bring to a simmer. Stir regularly to avoid sticking.
- Once a gentle boil is reached, simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Using a fine-mesh sieve and/or muslin cloth - strain the liquid into a heat proof jug. Allow the berries to sit in the sieve until cool, then gently press with the back of a spoon to get out any remaining juice.
- Pour the syrup from the jug into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Once completely cool, store in the fridge.
Notes
Ideas for using Elderberry syrup
- Take 10mL daily, straight from the bottle, as an immunity booster during cold/'flu season. Great for kids as it's so yummy they will love it.
- Add to smoothies for an extra antioxidant punch.
- Drizzle over vanilla ice-cream for a super easy dessert.
- Add a tablespoon to a glass of sparkling water for a healthy soda alternative.
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
- Add to my Homemade Apple Pop for another delicious fizzy option.
