ELDERBERRY SYRUP
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
A plant ally to boost immunity and resilience when our bodies are under stress.
RECIPES
A commitment to slow living, seasonal cooking and mindful consumption.
Elderberry Syrup.
It's elderberry season in Montana. We planted a few bushes in our yard this Spring, but didn't get any berries from the young plants. We were a little sad to not have a harvest, but last weekend when driving down an old forest service road after spending some time in the mountains, we spotted a few giant bushes packed full of ripe berries. I'm learning that nature has a way of giving us what we need if we are just patient...
Elderberries are widely known for their abundance of antioxidants and vitamins. These powerful little berries work to help to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and ease stress. While the berries can be prepared in many ways, they are most often used in a syrup. We love this method because the honey used when preparing helps to lengthen shelf life and create a natural preservative, allowing us to access the healing benefits long into the winter months.
Ingredients
1 part fresh elderberries (1 cup)
1 part water (1 cup)
1 part raw organic honey (1 cup)
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
how to prepare
Gather berries, remove stems and give them a good rinse.
Put berries in a pot on the stove with equal parts water.
Add cinnamon sticks and cloves
Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
Stir and smash berries throughout.
After the allotted cooking time, strain berry juice into sterilized jars, using a fine strainer.
Let the juice cool to a warm temperature and then add the raw honey (equal amounts to the water and berries)You will have to stir / shake the syrup pretty well to combine the honey.
Store your finished syrup in the fridge for up to 4 weeks (you can freeze it too if you have extras).
HOW TO USE
Take a tablespoon or two everyday for overall health and up to 4 times a day when sick. We also love using it for pancakes and to drizzle on ice cream.
