If you are wanting to make your own syrup this easy homemade elderflower syrup recipe is sure to be a hit.
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What is Elderflower Syrup?
Elderflower syrup is an herbal syrup made from the flowers of an elder bush.
It’s mostly known for its delicious flavor, but the elderflower is chock full of nutrients and beneficial health properties including boosting the immune system.
Prepare your fresh elderflowers by shaking out debris and removing any bugs. Next trim back as much of the branches off as possible. While elderflowers and their berries are safe to eat and loaded with health benefits, their branches, bark and roots are considered toxic, so it’s best to avoid these parts.
Some people prefer to wash their flowers to help remove dirt and debris. I, however, prefer not to as it removes much of the pollen and flavor of the flowers, along with some of the healthful benefits.
Next put your flowers into a large glass jar cover with water and allow to sit for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, creating a slow infused elderflower tea.
Once the elderflower tea hasfinished steeping, strain the tea into a large pot. You can compost the flowers, or use them for apretty garnish.
Add in your sugar and lemon juice and heat until sugar has completely melted and your syrup is clear. If you want to preserve your syrup for longer than one month, now is the time to add in your food grade citric acid.
Next, pour your elderflower syrup into very clean jars and store up to 1 month in the fridge. If you added the citric acid, it should store well for up to a year.
Prepare your elderflowers by giving them a good shake to remove any bugs or debris. Some people like to gentlywash their flowers to help remove any dirt. However, it’s not necessary to rinse the flowers, and doing so may remove some of the flavor. I like leaving as much as the pollen on in order to get the full health benefits from the elderflower. Then trim the flowers removing as much of the branch as possible, leaving mostly just flowers.
Place your flowers in a large glass jar and fill with your water to cover the elderflowers completely.
Cover your jar and let sit for 24-48 hours at room temperature, creating an elderflower tea.
Now strain yourelderflower tea into a large pot.
Add the sugar and juice from the lemons and heat until the sugar melts and the mixture becomes clear. (If using citric acid you can add it during this step.)
Now you can pour yoursyrup into clean jars and refrigerate. This syrup will last about a month on its own. If using citric acid it should keep for up to a year.
Notes:
If you don’t have access to fresh elderflowers, you could use dried flowers instead, but fresh flowers will be most flavorful.
Citric acid is a food derived preservative commonly used for preserving homemade canned goods. You can find it in most canning food stores or you can get GMO-free citric acid on Amazon.
Ways to Use Herbal Elderflower Syrup
This syrup can be added to many recipes and drinks to give it a beautiful floral flavor and added health benefits.
This syrup can be added to cakes and other baked goods to add a unique flavor.
Add to sparkling water for a yummy, healthier homemade soda
Mix into herbal tea for delicious hot drink
Add to vodka or sparkling wine for a unique spritzer.
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream
Add flavor to plain greek yogurt
Use as a syrup for pancakes or pastries
If you are interested in learning about herbs and how to incorporate them into your everyday life for a fun and delicious way to stay healthy, I highly suggest checking out The Herbal Academy. Taking a few courses from them has completely changed the way I see and use herbs. You can read my full review of their herbal online courses here.
Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical.
Traditionally, elderflowers have a long history of therapeutic use for cold and flu support, seasonal allergy relief, skincare, stress relief and more. They're also delicious, which is why they're used to make jam, infused honey, cordial and wine.
Elderflowers have been known to support a healthy immune system and reduce fever. Elderflowers are a relaxant and a diaphoretic that can reduce mild to high fevers. The compounds within the flower induce sweating by working on sweat gland activity and lower fever.
Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, hoarseness (laryngitis), flu, and shortness of breath. It is used on the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), and pain and swelling (inflammation). Some people put elderflower in the eyes for red eyes.
Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.
Elderberry is known to act as a diuretic and may interfere with medications that are used to increase urination. Someone who is already using medication for this reason, or is already taking a diuretic, should consult with a doctor before taking elderberry syrup.
Strain the finished syrup into an airtight jar or other container and refrigerate for up to 1 month. Or, for longer term storage, bring the syrup to a boil then divide among canning jars and process in a waterbath. Once sealed, they'll keep for up to 1 year.
Elderberry is a nutrient rich berry with a great flavor that may help to support the immune system. It also has antioxidant properties due to its rich anthocyanin content. Elderflower contains high amounts of antioxidants due to rich phenol content. Additionally, it's thought to help support healthy blood sugar levels.
The health benefits of elderflowers mean they are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and also helpful in supporting healthy skin healing and reducing skin irritations.
The elder flowers and berries have a mildly laxative effect. As with other elder plants, the elderflower has positive effects on the immune system. This may be due, in part, to the vitamin C and beta-carotene content of the berries.
Elder flower tea may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety and other nervous disorders. The flowers are a significant source of Vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. The ripe berries also have a laxative effect in small doses, but may cause nausea and vomiting in larger amounts.
In a previously published study, we demonstrated nephroprotective effects, in terms of renal function and morphology, for Sambucus nigra L. elderflower extract rich in flavonoids, obtained from the wild specimens of European elder Sambucus nigra L. [10].
The Elder is symbolic of endings and rebirth from its association with the Celtic festival of Samhain (Halloween) and Elder branches are hung over the doors to ward off evil spirits.
Compared to elderflower, elderberry has a more intense taste: woodsy and floral, with a dark flavor that can be bitter and earthy when the fruit is consumed raw.
With their ability to boost blood circulation and their high content of essential vitamins and minerals, elderflowers powerfully deliver intense nutrition to your scalp and the follicles of your hair. This makes your scalp healthy and also strengthens and improves the quality of your hair.
Opinions vary on whether elderberry is helpful, but most doctors believe it's safe to have in small doses. But unripe or uncooked berries or flowers from the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause even more serious poisoning.
As elderflowers taste so good and has so many benefits it's easy to ignore how the tea makes you feel. Elderflower is often used in situations to calm or relax. Elderflowers have relaxing nervine properties, which support the nervous system through stressful periods.
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