Elderberry Syrup Kit FAQs

Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! A LOT of juice hides in those berries.

Once the herbs have cooled enough to handle, I like to pour them into an old, clean cotton tea towel, gather up the edges, and squeeze out as much liquid as I can.

Keep going—you may be surprised how much more comes out.

Tip: Elderberries stain! I keep an old cotton tea towel specifically for this job.

Nope! Homemade elderberry syrup doesn't need to have the thick consistency of commercially bottled syrup.

Follow the recipe using 2½ cups filtered water and 1½ cups raw honey, and don't worry if your finished syrup is relatively pourable.

Raw honey is recommended and is what the Meadowdale recipe is formulated to use.

Be sure to allow the strained elderberry mixture to cool before stirring in your honey.

You can adjust the amount, but the finished syrup will differ from the Meadowdale recipe and using less honey may shorten its refrigerated shelf life.

You can substitute maple syrup if honey isn't an option, but it will change the finished preparation and may affect its refrigerated storage life.

Remember: Honey should never be given to children under 12 months of age.

Dried elderberries should be properly cooked before consuming. Follow the full 30-minute covered simmer in the Meadowdale instructions.

Do not eat the dried elderberries directly from the kit.

Your final yield can vary somewhat depending on how much liquid the herbs absorb and, especially, how thoroughly you squeeze the berries after straining.

That's one reason I recommend the tea-towel method—there's a surprising amount of elderberry liquid left in those herbs!

Yes! Freezing is an easy way to save extra syrup.

Freeze it in smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need. If freezing in glass, be sure to leave enough room for expansion.

Yes. For longer storage, add:

¼ cup brandy per 1 cup of finished elderberry syrup.

Keep refrigerated.

Yes. You can use:

¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar per 1 cup of finished elderberry syrup.

Keep refrigerated. The vinegar will give your syrup a tangier flavor.

Discard your syrup if you notice mold, unexpected bubbling or fermentation, an unusual odor, or significant changes in appearance or texture.

When in doubt, throw it out.

Never give honey to a child under 12 months of age.

For older children, consider individual allergies, medications, health conditions, and the complete ingredient list when deciding whether an herbal preparation is appropriate.

Review the complete ingredient list and consult your qualified healthcare provider with questions about using individual herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.