We had a beautiful afternoon foraging for elderberries today and then we came home and made our first elderberry syrup and tincture of the year. The syrup will only last a couple of weeks (we will all be having a little bit every day)but I love it, just the smell when you make it is so delicious! 

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Elderberry Syrup

 

Elderberry

 

What You'll Need:

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups fresh elderberries
  • 1/2 cup agave
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1.5 inch piece of fresh giner
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 12 cloves
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What To Do:

1. Put the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, orange, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat.

3. Simmer for at least 45 minutes - stir it every so often.

4. Once the mixture goes thick and syrupy and the liquid reduces by around half, remove from the heat.

5. Take a potato masher and mash the berries thoroughly to release any remaining juice.

6. Strain. Store in in the fridge for up to two months.

 

Elderberry Tincture

Tinctures are really easy to do and I find them the best way to get the elderberry goodness for longer, I swear by it over the winter season as it helps our family stay healthy and seems to keep the colds and flus at bay. This tincture should keep for 14-24 months. 

What You'll Need:

  • Mason Jar
  • Elderberry
  • Vegetable Glycerine

How to Make It:

1. First smash or chop your elderberries up a little bit

2. Fill your jar 1/3 to 1/2 of the way with fresh elderberries

3. Now add 3 parts Vegetable glycerine to 1 part water covering your berries

4. Now store in a dark place and let them infuse for 6-8 weeks.

5. The put through a sieve and it's ready to use!

I like to take a spoonful a day to strengthen my immune system or if I forget I try to take it as soon as I start to feel a cold coming and then take it three times a day.

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