How to process elderberry?

Elderberries can be juiced as you would juice any other soft fruit. Put them in a saucepan and add a little water to prevent scorching. Heat, and gently simmer until the fruit is softened, then either use a food mill to remove the seeds, or strain the juice through a jelly bag. But beware the elderberry slime!

How to make elderberry liquid?

Combine elderberries, filtered water and ginger in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until a thermometer registers 100 degrees F. Reduce heat to low, cover and steep for 50 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vinegar and honey.

How to remove cyanide from elderberries?

Simmer it for about 20 minutes ; this should be enough to break down the cyanogenic compounds. But remember, you need to stir them occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. After cooking, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve.

What to do with elderberries after you pick them?

Storage tips: Elderberries should not be stored in containers at room temperature for more than 2-4 hours as this can cause them to spoil. They should generally be frozen or cooked immediately after picking them.

How to pick and process elderberries?

Harvesting of blue elderberries is carried out by hand, as no mechanical harvesters are currently available. Harvesting consists of removing entire cymes and later removing berries from the stems (“destemming”). Cymes can be cut using clippers or a knife, or plucked by hand.

How long will homemade elderberry syrup last?

It's a good idea to always have a bottle on hand throughout the year to help with immunity, allergies, colds, and flu. Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months .

Is homemade elderberry syrup better than store bought?

Homemade Elderberry Syrup vs Store Bought By comparison, my homemade syrup is about a quarter of the price of over-the-counter options . The other draw back of over-the-counter versions is the sweetener, usually it's glucose. My recipe uses raw honey as a sweetener, which has so many healing properties.

Is homemade elderberry syrup safe?

Elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw but are safe to eat when cooked . The standard preparation method of boiling them down to make a “syrup” or “gummy” makes them safe to eat (figure 1).

How to prepare elderberries?

1. Simmer berries in water for1/2 hour or so 2. Mash the berries a little with a potato masher or something similar 3. Strain the liquid off of the cooked berries using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate out the seeds.

What is the difference between elderberry and Sambucus elderberry?

American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) is more shrub-like and can grow up to 8 to 10 feet high, while European black elder ( Sambucus nigra) has the makings of a small tree and will reach 20 feet. It is well adapted to a wide range of habitats.

Who should not take elderberry syrup?

Because of serious potential risks, elderberry is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How long to cook elderberries to remove toxins?

To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds. Steaming or baking can also do the trick, as long as the berries reach a high enough temperature.

How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?

It's a good idea to always have a bottle on hand throughout the year to help with immunity, allergies, colds, and flu. Like any other fruit juice it will start to ferment if left out for too long. Elderberry syrup, when stored in a glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for 3 months .

Easy Elderberry Syrup Recipe (with step by step instructions) (2024)

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Homemade elderberry syrup is so easy to make, plus it’s 30-50% cheaper than store bought, and works better too!

Elderberry syrup, cough drops, and gummies have become a popular natural method of fighting off cold and flu in recent years, and with good reason – they work!

Making your own elderberry syrup only takes 15 minutes and is 30-50%cheaper than store bought versions…and, in my experience, works better too!

How Elderberry Syrup Helps Fight Cold and Flu

Elderberries are one of the most concentrated sources of anthocyanins, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in lower amounts in blueberries and blackberries. Anthocyanins have been shown in studies to have protective effects against dementia, atherosclerosis, and some cancers (1-3).

But elderberries have also been shown to be antiviral and antibacterial, including protective activity against influenza A and B viruses as well asstreptococcus bacteria. (4)

One study showed flu symptoms improved four days faster in patients given 1 Tbsp of elderberry syrup four times daily, compared to those who received placebo. (5) Another study found elderberry syrup significantly shortened the duration and lessened the severity of viral colds in a group of air travelers. (6)

Elderberries should not be consumed raw since they can cause nausea and vomiting, and elderberries (cooked and raw) should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women until more is known about safety in these conditions. Honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age.

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How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup in 3 Easy Steps

This really couldn’t be any easier. Once you’ve ordered dried organic elderberries, you just simmer, strain, and add honey.

The syrup can be stored in the fridge for a week or so, or can be frozen in a large mason jar – just be sure to leave room at the top for expansion. To defrost, just place in the fridge for 24 hrs.

How to Dose Elderberry Syrup

We mostly take elderberry syrup four times each day, beginning with the first day we have symptoms, and continuing a few days after symptoms subside. My husband and I take 2 oz per “dose” and the kids take 1 oz. Sometimes I stir in some vitamin C powder for an extra immune boost!

Once when my daughter caught a summer cold, we combined the syrup with grape juice to make these elderberry juice pops, which were a HUGE hit!