Elderberry Syrup

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Difficulty level: Easy 

Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) are rich in nutrients and proven to be very effective in boosting immunity. Make this a part of your routine supplements, and protect yourself from allergies, common viruses (including influenza) and a lot of common illnesses. To see better results, make sure you consume it 5 days a week and then take a break for two days to give your body a chance to boost its own immunity. 

Kids' dose is 5ml (1 tsp) a day when healthy (twice a day if sick). Adulot dose is 1 tablespoon a day when healthy (twice a day if sick).

Everything assembled before cooking

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried elderberries (can be bought on Amazon or a local farmer's market)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 fresh lemon juice + zest
• 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweetener (agave nectar or local honey)
• Flavorings of your choice, optional. I added 1/2 stick of cinnamon, 1/2 fresh orange juice + zest, 1 vanilla bean broken into three

Instant Pot Method:

1. Add all ingredients except the sweetener your IP, close the lid and turn knob to sealing. 
2. Pressure cook on manual mode (high pressure) for 7 min. 
3. Quick release pressure and strain through a sieve, pressing out the liquid as much as possible. 
4. Once completely cooled, add the sweetener.
5. Store in a jar in the refrigerator.

Stove top Method:

1. Add all the ingredients, except the sweetener, and an extra cup of water to a pot. 
2. Bring everything to a rolling boil on medium-high heat.
3. Lower heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. 
4. Strain and when completely cooled, add the sweetener.
5. Store in a jar in the refrigerator.

 Helpful Tips:

• To make a large batch, hold the sweetener. Once the syrup cools, pour it in an ice cube tray and freeze. Store frozen cubes in the freezer and thaw as needed and add sweetener to taste.