Elderberry syrup recipe
Elderberry syrup recipe
Elderberry (sambuca nigra) has been used since ancient times for cosmetic, household, and medical uses. The Romans
used the juice from the berries for hair dye. Elder flowers, infused in water were used as a face rinse to promote a fair complexion.
But it is the elderberry that we use so much today. The berries are cooked in pies, made into syrup and not to be
forgotten made into a cordial.
Elderberries need to be cooked before being eaten.
In medieval times it was said that elder plant could cure almost anything. The
roots, the berries, the leaves, and the flowers were all used for traditional
cures.
Laboratory research supports some of the older claims for the elder plant.
Today the berries are used mainly to make syrup and jams or pies.
Here is an easy-to-follow elderberry syrup recipe. Change the ingredients as you see fit by adding optional ingredients listed below. The berries are very tart, so a sweetener is needed. Raw honey adds a nice flavor.
Ingredients
❖ 1 cup dried organic elderberry or 2 cups fresh elderberry
❖ 4 cups cold water
❖ 1 cup raw honey
❖ Optional ingredients include fresh ginger, cinnamon, or clove.
Directions
Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer until the amount is about half of what you started with.
Strain berries and herbs. Add the honey and stir well. When the liquid has cooled put it in sterilized jars and keep it in the refrigerator.
Use it with caution. Do not give this syrup to babies because it has honey in it. Don’t eat raw elderberries. Elderberry syrup also has a caution for people pregnant and breastfeeding. You can also find elderberry syrup in stores.
