We are fortunate to have two Elderberry bushes in our yard that yield approximately 10 or more gallons of berries each fall. Not only do the berries produce an incredible purple/pink color when it comes to dyeing wool, it has the highest vitamin C content than almost any other berry. So whether I am making jelly or syrup, I know that I am also making a delicious medicine that I can use through out the winter months. This year I made several jars of jelly and several more bottles of syrup. Usually I make a cough syrup that I add honey, yarrow and other immune supporting plants. I didn't necessarily find that my family used it as often as I would have liked. I think because it was more of a medicine and was only sought after when they didn't feel well. This year I made syrup and put it in maple syrup bottles. We use it on our pancakes and waffles and I like to sweeten my tea with it or mix it in with my plain yogurt. It's really tasty either way and is still a "medicine" that is good for my family. Here are a few tips for making Elderberry Syrup.
Frozen Elderberries (being such a small berry, they are easiest to work with when frozen)
Scrape frozen berries off their branch using a fork and place in a pot.
Add water to just barely covering the berries.
Boil while stirring and mashing the berries.
Once cook
ed, remove from stove and strain through a wire mesh.
Measure out juice and add equal amounts of sugar or honey. Unfortunately, making syrup or jelly does require a fair amount of sugar.
Return to stove and cook until it has been reduced and is thick like syrup.
I made a really large batch this fall and put in a little pectin to thicken it but you can also accomplish reaching the right consistency by boiling it down.
I poured the syrup into maple syrup bottles and sealed them so that I could store them with out refrigerating.
When I am making more of a medicine, after straining the berries, I will return the juice to the stove and infuse it with yarrow, echinacea, fresh nutmeg, ginger root and cinnamon.
Hope you enjoy this recipe and blessings on a healthy winter for you and your family!
