Adapted from: https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-elderberry-syrup/
Yields approximately 4C elderberry syrup
Ingredients:
-1C dried elderberries
-4.5C water
-Whole fresh garlic (eyeball for how much garlic you like, I used about a thumbs worth)
-Zest of 1-2 lemons
-2 cinnamon sticks
-1/4 C rosehips
Add all above ingredients into InstaPot or other pressure cooker (not a pressure canner). Set on soup or high for 2 hours. I let mine sit on warm for 12 hours to really get lots of herby goodness in it.
After the pressure cooker releases the steam on its own, or after 12 hours of steeping, you will add:
-1.5C of sugar (I use raw or otherwise vegan sugar) or 1C of honey*
-1/4C lemon juice
*If you are making this syrup to make gummies you may want to turn the pressure cooker to sear in order to cook down some of the volume. However if you’re using raw honey do not add until the liquid is just warm, or you may cook off some of the really awesome properties of raw honey.
Once cool enough to handle, strain the liquid and discard the solids (in the compost if you can! The herbs work best when they return to the soil.)
Elderberry syrup can be kept in the fridge in a clean, lidded jar, for up to 3 months easily. This recipe can be adapted to make elderberry jellies that you can process in the water canner that can last for 1-2 years.
More about elderberry!
An important note about elderberry fruit is that you cannot consume it unless the berries have been dried or cooked. Raw elderberry can cause cyanide poisoning, do not eat them raw!
Elderberry is an incredible fruit. I planted one in my yard in 2017 and I usually don’t get to the fruit before the birds do, but the bush this year is big enough that I hope we can share.
“Elderberries contain high levels of vitamins C, B-complex, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They have a strong antiviral effect and immunomodulating properties, making them great for the common cold and flu. Elderberries can be used for prevention of the flu and also in persons that already have the flu.” Citation
In terms of folks who shouldn’t consume elderberry:
-If you’re pregnant or nursing please consult your medical professional
-Those taking immunosuppressants or with autoimmune diseases can have a strong negative reaction to elderberry, please consult your medical professional before use