The cold of winter has set in and there has already been plenty of nasty bugs floating around. I’ve seemed to have found a viral sinus infection bug that I can’t seem to kick. It was time to stop procrastinating and mix up a batch of elderberry syrup. I have included the elderberry syrup recipe and jar labels that I used to create one of nature’s immunity boosters.
Elderberry The Immunity Booster
Elderberries are the dark purple to black fruit of the elder tree, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra. These small, round berries grow in clusters and are commonly used in various culinary applications, particularly for making jams, jellies, syrups, and beverages like elderberry wine. The elderberry plant is native to Europe, but it can also be found in North America and some parts of Asia.
Health Benefits
Aside from their culinary uses, elderberries have been traditionally used for their potential health benefits. They are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Some people, like myself, use elderberry products as natural remedies to boost the immune system, alleviate cold and flu symptoms, and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to note that while elderberries can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, their medicinal properties should be approached with caution, and consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.
.
Making Elderberry Syrup
The leaves stems, and seeds of the elderberry plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when consumed. Therefore, it’s crucial to properly cook and process elderberries before consuming them to eliminate any potential toxicity.
Preparing Elderberries:
1.) An easy way to clean your berries is to remove all the leaves and place the berry bunches stem and all on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the freezer and freeze for a few hours.
2.) Remove the cookie sheets from the freezer and gently shake the berries over a large bowl. The berries will drop off the stems.
3.) You can then use the berries right away for making your syrup, or freeze them in freezer bags to make your syrup at a later date.
Frozen elderberries are generally good for 6-10 months.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Use the recipe below to make your elderberry syrup from 1- 1/3 cups of fresh or frozen berries. You can substitute the fresh or frozen berries in this recipe for 2/3 cup of dried elderberry.
The recipe makes about 2 cups. After the honey is added you will need a 16-ounce glass jar to store the syrup.
Elderberry Syrup Directions
- Pour water and all ingredients, except the honey into a medium saucepan.
- Bring the contents to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 1 hour.
- The liquid should be reduced by half during this process.
- Remove from heat and mash up berries, allow to cool.
- Strain the mixture through a strainer into a glass bowl to remove berries.
- Strain a second time through a finer strainer.
- Add honey and stir well.
- Pour syrup into a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Print and add label to jar lid of mason jar.
- Store for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
- Shake well before use.
NikkiLynnDesign is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. We earn a commission if you click the links and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Printable Elderberry Syrup Jar Labels
Size
2-1/2″ diameter and prints 9 per Sheet.
Use With Avery Products
The labels were created to print on Avery 22830 Round Labels, 2-1/2-Inch. However, you can also just print, cut then glue them to the top of either wide mouth or regular pint-size Mason Jar lids.
Download the PDF file. Available for personal use only.
The print function on this site does not work properly.
Storage of Elderberry Syrup
Store elderberry syrup in the refrigerator for up to 4- 5 months.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you decide to make the recipe, you assume all responsibility, including but not limited to allergic reactions.
Have More Elderberries To Use?
How about making some ink?
Now It Is Time To Enjoy the Holiday Season
I’m finally feeling better and got a chance to enjoy some of the sites of the season. The video is from a recent trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Enjoy a taste of the light maze at Enchant located at Franklin Field.
@nikkilynn54311 Enchant, Milwaukee, Wisconsin #happyholidays #christmaslights #christmaslights🎄 #milwaukee #wisconsin #midwestmoment ♬ original sound – Nikki
Hope you have found the elderberry syrup recipe and jar labels helpful. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2024!
