Description
A simple, one-pot winter remedy made with dried elderberries, fresh ginger, and honey. This syrup is easy to make, tastes like winter candy, and supports the immune system naturally.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (60g) dried elderberries
- 2 inches (30g) fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup (340g) raw honey
- 2 lemons (approx. 1/4 cup / 60ml juice)
- 4 cups (960ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 star anise pod (optional)
Instructions
- Add dried elderberries, chopped ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and boil for 10 minutes until the water turns deep purple.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid slightly cracked, and simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- While the liquid is still warm (not boiling), stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the syrup into a glass jar using a funnel. Let cool completely to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Notes
Do not add honey to boiling liquid as it degrades beneficial enzymes; wait until the syrup is warm. For a clearer syrup, strain twice. To extend shelf life, add a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Fresh elderberries are toxic unless cooked thoroughly; dried is safer and recommended. Honey is not safe for children under 1 year old.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 11
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune boost, ginger syrup, winter remedy, natural cold remedy, honey syrup, one-pot recipe, healthy syrup