Organic Elderberry Syrup Recipe: Quick and Easy Formulation

What is Organic Elderberry Syrup?

This organic elderberry syrup recipe is an original formulation that brings together the benefits of both elderberry and turmeric. It’s specifically designed with busy parents in mind using high-quality superfoods. Plus, it’s an easy to follow recipe that takes less than an hour from start to finish.

History & Health Benefits: What is an Elderberry?

Elderberries are bluish-purple berries that grow on Elder trees. They can be covered with a white bloom at maturity. Elder trees are indigenous to the western United States and can grow to 30 feet tall. Their berries are typically not eaten raw but commonly made into wines or jellies. Consequently, elderberries should not be eaten uncooked as they may cause nausea.

Elderberries: A Holistic Superfood?

A 2004 study explains, “Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza.”  During the study, patients who received 15 ml of elderberry syrup 4 times per day for 5 days had their flu-like symptoms relieved an average of 4 days sooner than those who received a placebo syrup. (2)

Is Organic Elderberry Syrup Good for You?

Elderberries are highly nutritious. They’re low in calories and loaded in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They may also provide several healing properties when taken appropriately. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, elderberry may act as a cold and flu preventative, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, combat fatigue, aid in weight loss, and lower your cancer risk. (3)

Are There Other Ways to Take Elderberry Besides a Syrup?

There are several other ways to consume elderberries besides in a syrup. However, syrup seems to pack the most punch and gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

When you make organic elderberry syrup at home, you can guarantee it contains only the ingredients you want. For example, homemade elderberry syrup typically doesn’t contain synthetic or sugar-based preservatives you may find in store-bought syrups. Plus, you can rest assured you can have fresh elderberry syrup in less than an hour’s time once the cold or flu bug strikes. 

Elderberry Gummies

Gummies are a great way to get the benefits of elderberry if you don’t have access to syrup. However, gummies are likely to have more ingredients hiding inside including added sugar, binders or fillers. You can find my favorite organic elderberry gummies here which have approximately 400 mg of elderberry, 55% daily value of zinc, and only 2 grams of added sugar per serving.

Elderberry Tincture

Similar to gummies, tinctures and liquid supplements are another great way to get the benefits of elderberry. Alcohol is a common preservative in tinctures which may or may not be a concern for some adults, or if you plan on giving any to children. Besides elderberry and alcohol, common ingredients in tinctures may include glycerin, sugar, and flavors. See my favorite alcohol-free elderberry liquid supplement here. In addition to being alcohol-free, it’s also organic and vegan. 

Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup Online?

For busy parents, making homemade elderberry syrup is not always feasible. If you want to purchase a pre-made elderberry syrup, you have fantastic options avaliable. My favorite pre-made syrups are this Elder Berry Syrup Herbal Supplement and this Organic Black Elderberry Syrup.

Organic Elderberry Syrup Recipe: How to Make a Small Batch for Anti-Inflammatory Immune Support

This sweet & spicy blend of elderberries, manuka honey, and herbs makes a delicious and immune boosting elderberry syrup recipe. Please note: Do not give this recipe or any honey product to children under the age of 1 or to anyone allergic to any of the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 Cup Purified Water
• 1/3 Cup Organic Dried Elderberries
• 1 Tablespoon Golden Mellow Organic Superfood Mix (Get 15% off here with promo code SPROUT15)
• 1/3 Cup Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey (Organic and conventional Manuka Honey is available here)

Instructions

1. Pour the water into a medium ceramic non-stick sauce pan.
2. Add the dried elderberrys and Golden Mellow Mix to the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has reduced by about half.
4. Remove from heat and let cool until room temperature.
5. Mash the mixture to get as much juice out of the berries as possible.
6. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bowl.
7. Add Manuka Honey and stir until well mixed.
8. Cool quickly, pour into a mason jar, cap with a size appropriate air tight lid, and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

The standard daily dose my family takes for immune support is no more than 1 teaspoon for kids and no more than 1 tablespoon for adults. Consult with a qualified physician to determine the best dosage for you and your family. 

I prefer to cap my mason jars with a BPA-free flip top lid rather than a typical canning lid. Canning lids are meant for one-time-use and tend to rust over time. Another reason I prefer to make a small batch of syrup is because when the jar is full, it tends to dribble out a little bit when being poured. If you buy mason jar flip top lids, make sure they are size appropriate to your mason jars. 

What to do with Leftover Organic Elderberry Mash

I don’t suggest reusing or consuming any of the leftover elderberry mash after straining. The best way to dispose of the leftover elderberries would be to compost them in your yard or garden. Composting is a much more eco-friendly way to dispose of leftover food than putting it in the trash or down the sink. 

Another great idea would be to put the leftovers in a clear tabletop compost bin. This can help teach kids about decomposition, life cycles, and environmental science. 

Can you Substitute the Manuka Honey in Elderberry Syrup?

Yes, you may substitute the Manuka Honey in your elderberry syrup. Feel free to use a different nutrient-dense sweetener but I do believe Maunka Honey is the best option. If you’re unable to use Manuka honey for this recipe, a good quality Non-GMO honey from a local beekeeper is also a great option. ​If you want to substitute the honey all together, you may also use a high-quality organic maple syrup. 

Benefits of Manuka Honey

According to Wedderspoon, “Manuka Honey is a unique honey that comes from the Manuka flower nectar gathered by the bees in New Zealand. Manuka (or mānuka) is a Māori word that refers to the flower that grows on both New Zealand’s North and South Islands. The Manuka shrub has a very short annual bloom, which means that Manuka Honey is rare and highly sought after. Over 60 different compounds have been isolated from Manuka nectar, including antioxidants and polyphenols. Moreover, its multitude of uses makes Manuka Honey a multitasking superfood.”

​I buy the Wedderspoon KFactor 16 Manuka Honey because the nectar source comes mostly from the Manuka plant. Plus, it’s brimming with living enzymes & complex chemical compounds. These elements work together in harmony to produce a multifaceted superfood. In addition, this honey is unpasteurized, free of antibiotics, pesticides, glyphosate, gluten, and added sugars. The only downside is that it’s a little expensive. If you can’t stomach the cost, any authentic Manuka honey will likely provide similar elements and micro-nutrients. Manuka is simply more powerful than the sum of its parts.

Is Manuka Honey Safe for Children?

According to the Cleveland Clinc, babies under the age of 1 should not consume raw honey or any honey in baked and processed foods. Honey “may contain spores from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. While not a problem for those of use with more mature digestive tracts, in babies, the spores can cause botulism, which is an illness that produces toxins that can lead to skeletal muscle paralysis.” (7)

Benefits of Your Super Golden Mellow Mix

Your Super Golden Mellow Organic Superfood Mix is perfect for this recipe for a multitude of reasons. One reason is because this recipe is an easy elderberry syrup recipe. The goal is to make this as uncomplicated as possible. Even people short on time or who aren’t a whiz in the kitchen can benefit from this recipe. Rather than searching and sourcing a wide variety of herbs and spices, Your Super Golden Mellow has done it all for you. For instance, it combines 6 superfoods powders into one harmonious mix.

Golden Mellow Ingredients

Golden Mellow is USDA certified organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, contains no additives, comes from a transparent supply chain, and was formulated by holistic nutritionists. It contains powerful Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric and adaptogens like ashwagandha. Other superfood spices include ginger, cinnamon, lucuma, and pepper. 

• Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. What makes this golden spice so powerful is the active compound curcumin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.
• Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that reduces stress and anxiety and naturally balances hormones and adrenals. Latin for “sleep-inducing,” ashwagandha can also improve your quality of sleep.
• Ginger is a close relative to turmeric. Ginger root has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinnamon dates as far back as ancient Egypt, this popular spice is rich in powerful antioxidants and a natural anti-inflammatory.
• Beloved by the Incas, lucuma has finally found a way to us. It’s not only super nutritious, but also delicious with its sweet, maple-like taste!
• Known as “the king of spices,” black pepper is rich in antioxidants and piperine, the main active plant compound. Pepper also enhances the body’s absorption of curcumin up to 2,000%.

Click here to get 15% off Golden Mellow here with promo code SPROUT15

Shelf Life of Elderberry Syrup

The shelf life of elderberry syrup varies depending on what ingredients you use and how you store the syrup. I don’t recommend storing this on the countertop or in a cabinet. The product of this recipe must be kept in the refrigerator for safety and optimal results. 

How Long Does Organic Elderberry Syrup Last in the Fridge?

As a personal rule of thumb, I typically throw out any leftover Organic Elderberry Syrup after 7 days to err on the safe side – which is another reason why I like to make a small batch. I’ve personally noticed mold growth in this syrup after about 3 – 4 weeks in the fridge. 

Can you Freeze Elderberry Syrup in an Ice Cube Tray?

Absolutely! If you’re not going to use your full batch of elderberry syrup before it goes bad, freezing the leftovers in a BPA-free no-spill ice cube tray is a great way to make it last a few weeks longer. After all, you’ll be so proud of the delicious herbal concoction you made, you won’t want to see any of it go to waste!

Additional Methods for Making Elderberry Syrup

One great thing about homemade elderberry syrup, is that there are infinite different ways you can create and cook this nutritious recipe. Not all recipes are one-size-fits-all. You can tweak them and adjust them to your heart’s desire. If you don’t want to include a specific ingredient you can typically sub it out for something else.  

Experiment with Other Ingredients

Once you get an elderberry syrup recipe dialed in, feel free to experiment by adding or removing ingredients to make something uniquely your own. Other fun and nutritious ingredients to consider may be an organic blend of hibiscus and mangosteen, Irish sea moss, nutmeg, lycii berries (similar to goji berries), dandilion root powder, echinacea and rosehips, or Moon Balance Mix.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup Video: Recipe and Pro Tips by Mountain Rose Herbs

If you’re looking for something more in-depth, check out the video below. The instructor uses lots of organic dried herbs and cooking tools in her recipe. These items include aromatic ginger root, fair trade cinnamon sticks, organic dried elderberries, and unbleached organic cheesecloth. Plus, you can buy all of the ingredients directly from their website. 

Sources

1. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/elderberry?s=t
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/​
3. https://share.upmc.com/2020/02/benefits-of-elderberry/
4. http://yoursuper.krym8q.net/oj3Rb
5. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000311.htm
6. https://wedderspoon.com/pages/manuka-standards
7. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-is-it-safe-to-give-honey-to-my-baby/

The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any type of disease or medical condition. The Smartest Sprout does not make any claims in regards to the benefits of honey, spices, herbs, herbal supplements, or this recipe in general. All information presented is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner and your child’s pediatrician for approval before taking any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications. Kids should not handle hot liquid and all cooking should be done by an adult. Any opinions written are solely the thoughts of the author.

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