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homemade black elderberry syrup recipe

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • 500 g fresh ripe elderberries destemmed and rinsed
  • or 300 to 350 g dried elderberries if fresh are not available
  • 600 to 800 ml water
  • 200 to 300 g white sugar or 250 to 300 g honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger sliced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare berries
  • Remove stems as much as possible and rinse. Use only fully ripe dark purple to almost black berries.
  • Simmer
  • Add berries and water to a saucepan. Add spices if using. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce to a soft simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not taste raw berries.
  • Mash and simmer
  • Lightly mash with a spoon or potato masher to release juice. Simmer 5 more minutes.
  • Strain
  • Pour through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press to extract liquid. Discard solids.
  • Sweeten
  • Return liquid to the pan. Add sugar or honey and lemon juice. Warm on low heat until dissolved. If using honey, keep the heat mild. No need to make it bubble like it owes you rent.
  • Bottle
  • Allow to cool slightly then pour into sterilized jars or bottles. Seal and store in the fridge.

Notes

• Less water gives a thicker sweeter syrup
• Honey adds deeper flavor while sugar keeps the taste neutral
• Lemon lifts the flavor and helps with preservation