Remember the time when Grandma would concoct those magical herbal syrups to cure every ailment? One of her secret ingredients was often elderberries, creating a wonderful blend of sweet and tart flavors. In the spirit of her remedies, we’re diving headfirst into the age-old practice of healing with homemade remedies, focusing specifically on an elderberry syrup recipe with apple cider vinegar.
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Ingredients List
To recreate this immune-boosting syrup, you’ll need:
– 2 cups of dried elderberries
– 4 cups of water
– 2 cups of organic honey
– 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
Please note, while elderberries are the star of the show, they should never be eaten raw, as they can cause stomach upset.
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Instructions
1. Start by taking a large saucepan and adding your elderberries, covering them with water.
2. You’ll then simmer this mixture for about 45 minutes, allowing the water to reduce by half as the berries swell and release their juices.
3. When you’re satisfied with the consistency, mash the elderberries with a potato masher to extract even more juice and flavor.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, being sure to squeeze out every last drop.
5. Let the liquid cool to room temperature before stirring in your honey and apple cider vinegar.
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Cooking Time & Servings
From start to finish, your elderberry syrup should take approximately one hour to prepare. This recipe yields about 32 one-tablespoon servings, perfect for a month’s supply.
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Nutritional Information
Elderberries and apple cider vinegar go hand in hand when infusing your body with much-needed nutrients. In this syrup, you’re looking at roughly 60 calories per serving, with nearly zero grams of fat, about 15 grams of carbohydrates, and less than a gram of protein.
Tips and Tricks
If you’re catering to a vegan diet, you can switch the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup. It is ideal to use unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to enjoy the full benefits of the “mother,” which contains probiotics.
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In conclusion, this recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also…
Welcomes the benefits of nature’s bountiful produce into your kitchen. Don’t feel shy about changing things up by adding different spices such as cloves, ginger, or cinnamon! As you pour yourself a spoonful every morning, you’ll not only relish the rich flavour but will also appreciate the health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried ones?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh elderberries.
2. Q: Is it okay to store the syrup in the fridge?
A: Absolutely, storing the syrup in the fridge can actually extend its shelf life.
3. Q: How long does the syrup keep for?
A: When properly stored, the syrup can last for up to one year.
4. Q: Can I give elderberry syrup to my kids?
A: It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before giving any form of medicinal syrup to children.
5. Q: Can I use a sweetener other than honey?
A: Yes, agave nectar or maple syrup are both good vegan alternatives.
Creating this elixir requires just a few ingredients and a small investment of time. So dive in, cook up a delicious batch of elderberry syrup with apple cider vinegar, and enjoy all the health benefits it brings.
