Elderberry syrup is derived from the Elderberry fruit, a flowering plant with cream-colored flowers and delicate clusters of, bluish-black, black, red, and in rare occasions, yellow berries. Nutritionists and medical practitioners approve of Elderberry Syrup as an effective remedy for flu and colds.
Elderberry Syrup Trivia
- People have been consuming Elderberry since the Stone Age. Ancient people used the berries as a source of antioxidant and as an immune system booster. Meanwhile, the flowers and leaves are usually used as diuretics and laxatives.
Elderberry Syrup Buying Guide
Choose an Elderberry Syrup that uses minimal ingredients filled with specific nutrients such as Vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants. It’s best to buy local Elderberry syrup which uses local honey as commercially produced Elderberry syrups have preservatives.
Some Elderberry Syrups are usually marketed as health supplements.
Elderberry Syrup Production & Farming in Texas
There are three types of Elderberry Syrup available in the market: Large scale commercially made, homemade, craft made.
Large scale commercially made elderberry syrup is known by the popular brand Sambucol, However, commercially produced Elderberry syrup uses glucose as sweeteners and preservatives such as Citric Acid and Potassium Sorbate.
Homemade Elderberry syrups are popular at home kitchens around the world. Families usually produce for their consumption and sell the excess products at the farmer’s market or weekend fairs. Homemade Elderberry syrups are an exciting and more rustic way to enjoy this treat as the recipes and syrups vary from seller to seller, some may be sweeter, thicker, and others may add fruit, herb, or even spice essences and extracts.
Craft made Elderberry syrups started from small home operations whose businesses flourished into becoming regional manufacturers. Due to the large volume, craft makers manufacture their syrup in large batches consisting of 50 or more gallons and in smaller batches with 3-10 gallons per batch.
Preservatives and Chemicals
The perfect way to enjoy Elderberry syrup is to use raw, unfiltered honey as the main ingredient. It adds sweetness and adds a concentration of immunity-boosting nutrients.
Commercial brands use artificial flavors, sweeteners, and food coloring to enhance their flavors.
Packaging
Elderberry syrup is a great get well soon gift for your friends and loved ones. Seal the Elderberry Syrup in a sterilized, tight-lid jar and add some stickers or ribbons for a refined touch.
Enjoying Elderberry Syrup
Incorporating Elderberry syrup benefits your immune system as Elderberries have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Low in calories and rich in antioxidants, elderberries are impressive antioxidants and are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Moreover, the flavanols and other compounds in Elderberries benefit your cardiovascular condition, reduces fat levels, improves blood sugars, and lowers cholesterol.
You can use Elderberry syrup to make concentrates and candies such as gummies, jellies, drops, and lozenges. Elderberry syrup is also perfect for baked goodies, and as a sauce and glaze for your roasted meats.
Storage
Elderberry syrup and juice will ferment when left out too long. Store the Elderberry syrup in a sterilized jar and refrigerate for at most 3 months. Freeze elderberry juice and syrup into ice cubes and defrost when needed. Always shake your bottle before drinking to incorporate the Elderberry syrup that sank at the bottom.
Cooking
This simple Elderberry Syrup recipe only calls for elderberries, honey, and herbs to make an effective cold and flu remedy.
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
3½ cups water
2/3 cup dried elderberries (or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cup raw honey
Procedure:
- Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
- Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
- Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
- Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
- Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
- When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
- When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or 16-ounce glass bottle of some kind.
- Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune-boosting properties.
