Elderberry Syrup has long been recommended as a supplement to help fend off colds and flu, especially during the winter months. I’ve been making a batch every year and tend to take a spoonful whenever I feel a cold coming on. Honestly, it feels like I’ve had fewer colds since I started doing this—though I’ll admit, that might just be in my head. Still, even if it’s just a placebo, it gives me the sense that I’m doing something to look after myself through the colder months.
Ingredients
- 500g Elderberry, removed from the stalks as much as possible – I use a fork to help with that
- 100ml water
- 500g white sugar
- 1 cinamon stick (or 10 hogweed seeds)
- 2 cloves (or 2 roots of wood avens)
Click here to see our Elder Foraging Guide
Click here to see our Hogweed Foraging Guide
Click here to see our Wood Avens Foraging Guide
Method for making Elderberry Syrup
- Put the berries & spices & water in a pan and bring to a simmer
- Use a potato masher or similar to mush as much juice out of the Elderberry as possible (add a little more water if it looks like it’s going to dry out)
- After 10 mintes strain this mix through a sieve or cloth to remove the berries from the juice and pop the juice back in the pan
- Add the sugar, lightly heat and stir until all of the sugar is dissolved
- Pop in a steralised bottle and store in the cupboard
- You can use it as a syrup in food, add it to hot water for a warm drink or take it on a teaspoon when you feel a cold coming on like regular medicine
View all of our Elderflower & Elderberry Recipes here
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