Elderberry syrup is a fantastic household staple for any time of year, however I find we need it even more so when the seasons are transitioning. I just made a big batch to help support my family as the kids are cycling through respiratory infections and colds this fall. I find that elderberry syrup is super easy to make with minimal preparation time and very little cleanup involved.
Where do you find dried elderberries?
I use only organic dried elderberries, and have purchased a couple different brands on Amazon with the same results. Here are the brands I like: Horbaach organic dried elderberries or Naturtonix organic dried elderberries. Both brands are cost effective and high quality.
How to make elderberry syrup from dried elderberries
I might be biased on making elderberry syrup from dried elderberries, as this is the only method I’ve used to make homemade elderberry syrup. I like using dried elderberries in my elderberry syrup recipe because I’m not in any danger of the berries going bad, especially if they are stored properly.
In this dried elderberry syrup recipe, there is no overnight soaking necessary. It’s easy to use dried elderberries in a homemade elderberry syrup recipe! Simply mix dried elderberries with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, you’ll want to reduce the heat to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. The elderberry juice is then strained to remove the berries. I like to smash the berries down into the strainer to make sure that I’m getting out as much juice as possible. Plus, the juice from the berries themselves are going to pack the most punch as far as antioxidants and vitamins are concerned.
How long do dried elderberries last?
Dried elderberries will last approximately one year, however they must be stored properly. It is best to keep dried berries in an air tight container, in a cool, dark place. The pantry is a great place to keep dried elderberries. I personally keep my dried elderberries in the zipper bag that they are packaged in. If you are someone who needs elevated pantry organization, these OXO containers are great for airtight storage.
Best way to store elderberry syrup
Once you’ve finished your homemade elderberry syrup, it is important to let it cool to room temperature before storing it. Homemade elderberry syrup is best stored in the refrigerator. A large glass mason jar is my favorite way to store elderberry syrup, but any glass container will do as long as it can be sealed airtight. Here is a link to the large 32 oz mason jars and regular 16 oz mason jars that I use, along with 16 oz and 32 oz lids.
How long is elderberry syrup good for?
If you add lemon to your elderberry syrup recipe, it will last longer. With lemon, your elderberry syrup will last for up to 3 months. Without lemon, it will last for 3-4 weeks when refrigerated. When adding lemon, I like to add both lemon juice and lemon zest.
What is the dosage for this recipe?
It is important to note that I am not a medical professional. If you have health related questions, it is best to consult a licensed professional. I could personally drink the entire jar of elderberry syrup in one sitting. That would be way too much sugar consumption for one day, even though it’s not a refined sugar 😉. The general recommendation is to take 1 tablespoon daily for adults, or 1 teaspoon daily for children. It is important to note that babies under 1 year of age should not be given honey. If you are treating cold or virus symptoms with elderberry syrup, you can increase the dosage to 4 tbsp a day for adults, or 4 tsp a day for children.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Notes
Here are links to the kitchen tools/ingredients that I use:
Naturtonix organic dried elderberries or Horbaach organic dried elderberries
Stainless steel saucepan
Mixing bowls
Ball Pint 16 oz Jars
Ball Widemouth 32 oz Jars
16 oz Mason Jar storage lids
32 oz Mason Jar storage lids
The links listed here are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried organic elderberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 cup organic honey
- 1tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed (optional)
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring the dried elderberries and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Let boil for a minute or two and then reduce heat to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and whisk together. Let cool. Strain elderberry juice to remove the berries, and smash the berries into the side of the strainer with a spoon to release all of the juice from inside the berries. Don’t skip this step! The juice inside of the berries is full of antioxidants and vitamins. Once the elderberry juice has cooled, stir in the organic honey. Serve, and store your homemade elderberry syrup in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Serves: 48
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 tablespoon
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 24 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat .03g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat .01g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium .97mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 6 | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber .26 | 0% | |
| Sugars 5 | ||
| Protein .05 | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C 1mg | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
LeeAnn Neumann | Chucktown Art
Check out related posts
About the author
LeeAnn Neumann is a mom of 4 boys, guitarist wife, cat lady, wannabe yogi, Peloton addict, home chef, pizza eater, who walks everywhere, listens to music all day, sourdough baker, kombucha brewer, developing a green thumb, professional photographer, artist, and potter living in Charleston, South Carolina. LeeAnn connects all the dots while coloring outside the lines. You can find more by LeeAnn at www.leeannneumann.com and www.chucktownart.com.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
If you like this blog, please consider offering a monetary donation! Your contribution is appreciated. Donations help ensure that I can do what I love, and share it with you! 🙂
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Leave a Reply