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Homemade Elderberry Syrup: The Best Immune Booster

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This homemade elderberry syrup is a simple, natural immune booster perfect for cold and flu season. Made with dried elderberries, honey, and warming spices, it’s a delicious and effective remedy that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (140g) dried elderberries
  • 4 cups (950ml) filtered water
  • 1 cup (340g) raw, unfiltered honey
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (about 15g)
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • 3–4 whole cloves (or a pinch of ground cloves)

Instructions

  1. Combine the dried elderberries, water, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan. Stir briefly.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. The liquid will turn a deep purple color.
  3. After 30 minutes, gently mash the berries against the side of the pot with the back of a wooden spoon to release more flavor and beneficial compounds. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.
  4. Place a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl or glass measuring cup. Carefully pour the hot mixture through the strainer. Let it drain completely without pressing on the berries to avoid cloudiness.
  5. Allow the strained liquid to cool for 15-20 minutes until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
  6. Stir in the honey until fully dissolved. The syrup will become glossy and deep purple.
  7. Using a funnel, pour the syrup into clean glass jars or bottles, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal tightly and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Do not press on the berries while straining to avoid a cloudy syrup. Let the liquid cool before adding honey to preserve its beneficial properties. The syrup tastes even better after a week in the fridge as the flavors meld. For children over 1 year old, give 1 teaspoon daily; for adults, 1 tablespoon daily during cold and flu season. Increase to 1 tablespoon three times a day at the first sign of illness.

Nutrition

Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune booster, homemade syrup, cold and flu remedy, natural cough syrup, elderberry recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/homemade-elderberry-syrup-the-best-immune-booster/