In today's fast-paced world, keeping our families healthy is a top priority. One way to boost your family's immune system naturally is by making your own elderberry syrup. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help fend off colds and flu. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of creating your very own elderberry syrup. It's not only easy but also a fun project for the whole family to participate in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 juiced lemons
- 1 cup raw honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Boiling the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of dried elderberries, 2 cups of filtered water, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Bring these ingredients to a boil.
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Simmering for Flavor: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it continue for 30 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce.
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Adding the Zest of Citrus: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into the mixture. The citrus zest adds a refreshing twist to the syrup.
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Straining for Clarity: To remove any solid particles, mash down the elderberries in the mixture as much as possible. Then, pour the liquid into a clean bowl through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press the elderberries to extract as much juice as you can.
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Sweetening with Honey: Allow the liquid to cool to lukewarm, then add 1 cup of raw honey. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved and well combined.
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Storing for Later: Pour your homemade elderberry syrup into a clean, airtight glass container or jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Conclusion
Elderberry syrup is a fantastic way to support your family's immune system. Making it at home is both cost-effective and gives you full control over the quality of the ingredients. Plus, it's a wonderful way to involve the whole family in maintaining good health.
For daily maintenance, take one tablespoon a day. When you're feeling under the weather, increase the dose to 3 tablespoons, spread throughout the day. This natural wellness elixir is a valuable addition to your family's health routine, and with the provided recipe card, it's easier than ever to enjoy its benefits.
For our family of 5, I double this recipe and it lasts us the full 2 weeks. Starting in August, I try to make a batch every 2 weeks, and we do this through winter. Last year was the first year I was consistent with it, and we saw a big difference in our health.
Don't forget to download our free recipe card for easy reference, and start enjoying the benefits of this natural wellness elixir today!
