Autumn Elderberry Syrup
During our seasonal retreats we hold workshops everyday to discuss different aspects of the season and how to incorporate it into your life. In one of our workshops at our most recent Autumn Equinox Retreat, we discussed the harvesting element of fall including the act of preservation and medicine making including elderberry syrup. So, even though we cant invite everyone to these educational event, we thought we would at least share one useful component.
During the autumn season nature encourages us begin making preparations for the winter ahead. This is a time of using our energy more wisely as the “wild woman” archetype with which the season is correlated. It is a time of going within, and harvesting from the seeds we planted in the spring. In a time when we were more connected to nature we would do so with a harvest from our own garden. But in an era of Amazon Alexa we can still make our medicine and follow these ancient traditions.
How To Make ElderBerry Syrup
Ingredients
1 cup dried elderberry
3 cups water
1-3 cinnamon sticks
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cloves
1 tablespoon ginger
3/4 - 1 cup raw honey
Reduce Elderberry Syrup
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT for the honey and bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Simmer until reduced about half way (roughly 40 minutes)
Use 1-3 cinnamon sticks depending on preference. Adjust clove amount to personal taste as well
allow the mixture to cool slightly. You want it to be still warm enough to dissolve honey, but not too hot.
Strain The Syrup
There are a couple of ways to do this, and let it be noted that the method pictured here is probably the most difficult. I would actually recommend using a fine mesh strainer and then pressing the berries with the back of a wooden spoon.
As an alternative you can use a nut bag (as pictured) or a cheese clothe. to strain and then squeeze the berries.
Add Honey
While the syrup is still warm add the honey. More honey will make it sweeter and increase shelf life and preservation.
Store in the refrigerator for up to three months. Anytime you feel a cold or flu coming on take one teaspoon 1-3 times a day to help boost your immune system and fight infections.
