Wherever you go online, if you want to boost your immunity the number one elixir you will see over and over again is elderberry syrup. Yes, I could probably have picked some up at my local health food store already made but I wanted to make it myself.
I used my Magical Butter Machine but you can make this on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot.
As I have previously mentioned, I have herbalism calling me to take my foodie wisdom and knowledge to a greater level so purchasing it pre-made was not good enough for me. I wanted to make it from scratch.
The Elderberries
Honestly the hardest part of this process was finding the damn berries! I could have ordered them online but I preferred to buy them in person which took quite a bit of time to figure out where to go. In the end I went to The Big Carrot at 348 Danforth Avenue but it was NOT in the market building. It was in their dispensary building! I managed to get a package of them for around $10 so it was cheaper than buying online.
The Ingredients
For this recipe you will need: 1/2 cup dried elderberries, 2 cups filtered water and 1/2 cup sugar. This is a light syrup, not super strong because I did not want it to be too intense for the first time I made it. You can always add more berries and sugar if you prefer. Up to one cup of each.
Why the sugar? The sugar will act as a preservative so it will last longer.
Directions
Put everything into your cooking vessel.
For the stovetop bring to a boil, turn down heat and let simmer 5-10 minutes.
For the Instant Pot put on manual for 10 minutes.
For the Magical Butter Machine put on 130F for 1 hour on the oil setting.
The thing I like so much about the Magical Butter Machine is it obliterates the berries!
Strain
For all methods, all you do next is strain. I used my Magical Butter filter bag which is incredible.
It is literally “super fine” so you do not have to worry about any pieces getting through.
Storage
I invested in some cobalt blue bottles with eyedroppers for my elderberry potion.
I filled it up and it was ready to dispense this incredibly high vitamin C super immunity syrup!
So cool!!! I love making things myself.
This recipe makes 2 cups of the elderberry syrup which is a lot so I filled an ice cube tray with most of it.
Then I put the syrup cubes in plastic zip bags to thaw when needed.
Using The Syrup
I like to add the syrup to my yogurt. It adds great flavour and all those antioxidants. FYI a little bit a few times a day goes a long way when you need that extra immunity boost.
I also add it to my smoothie. I usually make a tropical smoothie which is not the best combo with this syrup. I recommend adding it to berry-based smoothies like strawberry or mixed berry to amplify the flavour but I am honestly using this for health benefits so into my tropical smoothie it goes.
The Container
This is the first time I ever went out and bought a special container for something I made just for my food blog. I wanted to do justice to this post so I went out to The Handwork Department, a vintage store I just love, and bought this stunning little decanter for my elderberry syrup.
Now that is what I am talking about!!!
A container to honour such healing potion! Use when needed like for me today. I woke up with a sore throat. Great! I will be adding a little of my elderberry syrup to my foodie regime the next day or so to hopefully help kick a potential cold to the curb.
Only use when necessary. You always have to be careful with immunity boosters. They are not something you should have every day but when you need them? They are there for you.
This is a recipe anyone can make in their kitchen and use when they need a little healing help.
Well, this is fascinating, Suzie. It looks delicious and I like the little decanter you bought to hold it.
A couple of months ago I did a post that discussed saskatoon berry pie. People who weren’t from the Canadian prairies have often never eaten saskatoons but said that, from my description, they sound a lot like elderberries. I’ve never eaten elderberries so I can’t say if that’s accurate or not.
So have you ever had saskatoons and, if so, are elderberries the same thing?
I’ve had them both. Definitely not the same thing, though they have some similar characteristics. Elderberries are related to Viburnum (same Family), while Sahsatoons are related to Roses.
Thanks, JC! I appreciate your insight!
Wow JC, thank you so much for your response! I don’t think I have had Saskatoon berries Debra which I must correct ASAP. Good to know that they are different. I love that there are still berries and food I haven’t tried. So exciting to explore the world of food. And so far? My sore throat is gone and I am feeling much better!
Oh wow thank you so much. I just opened my Magic Butter Machine! Yes!
You are most welcome! Just heard from the company today and they are going to send me all sorts of new products of theirs to test and try too! Looking forward to making nut milks, milkshakes, oat milk and so much more. Have fun with your machine!
Question we read something somewhere that said the seeds contain cyanide. We were concerned and wanted to reach out. We already ran through the magic butter machine AND let sit in jar with everclear for 2 months. Thoughts?
Thank you for posting this! I normally make my syrup on the stovetop but I was looking for directions on using my Magical Butter Machine. I don’t use it for cannabis so I was very excited to find your recipe!
I used honey in lieu of sugar and added a cinnamon stick.
What else have you used the machine for?
Yay! Same here, I have used my machine for all foodie applications and hope you enjoy yours. I want to make a milkshake in mine next. I have used it for almond milk and Earl Grey infused truffles.