Elderberry syrup is an easy and tasty way to strengthen the immune system and defend against colds, flu and other viral infections.
Add elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks and lemon zest to the Instant Pot, close its lid and select Manual/High Pressure for 7 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients
Elderberries have been proven to help shorten the duration of colds and flu, as well as strengthen immunity against both bacterial and viral infections. Elderberry has also been utilized as a cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory treatment and allergy relief remedy, with its rich content of Vitamin C, A and anti-aging antioxidants providing additional health benefits.
Elderberry syrup is an easy and quick way to expand your natural remedies arsenal. All it requires are three basic ingredients you likely already have on hand in your pantry!
To make herbal medicine, combine water, dried elderberries and citrus juice in an Instant Pot and close and lock the lid, setting the valve to seal. Cook at Manual High Pressure for 7 minutes before doing a quick release of pressure before allowing to cool before doing another quick release and cooling cycle.
Once the liquid has cooled, add 1 cup of honey and enjoy! If using raw honey, make sure that you mix it very thoroughly as heat exposure may result in its enzymes and vitamins being lost over time.
Addition of ginger and cinnamon is entirely optional, yet can add delicious flavor and be beneficial for health. Ginger helps soothe inflammation and relieve joint pain while cinnamon has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Orange and lemon juice may not be necessary, but they do contribute to extending the shelf life of this homemade elderberry syrup recipe. For best results, use it within one month, taking one or two tablespoons daily as an immune booster, or at the first sign of illness as a preventative. Refrigerate or freeze as necessary until consumed – you should have about 2 months and up to one year worth!
Prep Time
Elderberry syrup should be part of every family’s pantry. Not only is it delicious, but it can help protect against colds, flu and other illnesses as well. Elderberry syrup is easy to make at home and makes a wonderful homemade alternative to store-bought products; using different flavors adds even more flavor while providing nutrition benefits.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This includes 4 cups of water, 2 cups of dried elderberries and some additional spices to enhance its taste as well as citrus fruits that add both flavor and immunity boosts.
To create the syrup, begin by combining water and elderberries in an Instant Pot, stirring everything thoroughly to coat each berry evenly with liquid. Next, add cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and freshly grated ginger; stirring to incorporate all spices. Simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes have elapsed, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to come down to room temperature gradually, giving the syrup time to form thick clumps and congeal into its final state.
Once the liquid has cooled enough, strain it carefully to remove any fruit or spices, before pouring it into a clean storage container and mixing in honey.
Local honey is highly recommended to get the maximum health benefits, as it contains pollen specific to your area and has antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties which enhance healing benefits of this syrup. Once mixed well, transfer into jars for storage in the fridge – or enjoy this wonderful syrup right away or store for up to 12 months!
Cook Time
Elderberry syrup has long been a winter essential at our home, not only to boost our immunity, but also as a preventative against colds and flu. Unlike commercial cough syrups, homemade elderberry syrup contains no added sugars and uses high quality ingredients; providing peace of mind knowing your kids are receiving top medicine!
Instant Pot syrup-making is an incredibly straightforward process; similar to making stovetop syrup but without needing to stay over and stir continuously! This recipe should take only 20 minutes from start to finish.
Add elderberries, water and spices to the Instant Pot insert and combine. Zest and juice orange and lemon before placing both into the Instant Pot with its lid closed and valve set on “seal.” Cook on manual high pressure for 7 minutes before performing a quick release of pressure and letting cool completely before discarding any residual heat or steam from cooking process.
Once your liquid has cooled, strain it through a mesh strainer to extract every drop of goodness. Add your preferred sweetener, such as maple syrup; honey can also work, though molasses might be better as an option or consider making this into an elderberry tincture for adults (not suitable for kids).
Store this recipe in a glass jar in the fridge, where it will keep for two months and can even be frozen! A teaspoon should suffice per day for children while adults can take up to a tablespoon per serving – make it as often as desired; just a little goes a long way!
Strain
Elderberry syrup is one of our family’s go-to immune boosters. Studies have demonstrated its ability to shorten cold and flu symptoms while providing antiviral and antibacterial protection – plus this Instant Pot recipe makes preparation even quicker! It provides all of these benefits!
First, prepare the berries. Crushing helps release more juice and extract all of its beneficial compounds. Next, combine water and berries in an Instant Pot and stir.
Close the lid and set manual high pressure for seven minutes. At the end of this time, carefully release pressure quickly by quickly opening the lid, pouring the contents through a strainer (to remove seeds or large pieces of berries, as desired), and open. At this point you should have more of a juice syrup than traditional syrup; we prefer this, however if thicker syrups are preferred then using saute function after pressure release, simmering down further until desired thickness has been reached.
Once the liquid cools, add honey until it reaches your desired sweetness level and transfer into jars for storage in the fridge or freezer for up to two months or a year – enjoy! Children can take 1/2-1 teaspoon daily or every few hours during an illness; adults should take 1 tablespoon daily as general immune support or as needed during sickness, taking 1-2 teaspoons at intervals until symptoms have subsided.
Storage
One of the ways our family stays immune-strengthened throughout winter is by creating homemade elderberry syrup in our Instant Pot, using ingredients you already have on hand. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at shortening colds and flu symptoms and providing numerous other health-boosting properties. It’s quick and simple – simply follow this recipe.
Although this recipe can be made on both stove top and Instant Pot, I personally find the latter method far easier as it cooks the berries and sugar much more quickly than traditional methods and provides even heating distribution without risk of scorching.
If preparing this dish on the stove top, be sure to follow all recommended cooking times and allow the mixture to cool before adding raw honey as high temperatures can diminish its beneficial properties.
Homemade elderberry syrup provides more than just delicious sweetness; it is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, potassium, folate and calcium as well as powerful antioxidants to combat against the aging process and even help protect against cancer and other illnesses.
Homemade elderberry syrup makes an excellent present for anyone in your life who could benefit from an extra immune boost. Refrigerate it up to two months, or place in the freezer for one year of storage time – and give someone else some immunity support this holiday season! Enjoy!
