The flu hit us for the first time this year. Well, maybe. My oldest started with what seemed like some sinus congestion and a headache with no fever. Then the middle one started, but he was miserable and had a fever.
He normally pushes through any sickness, so I took him to the doctor after 5 days of not being able to eat or get out of bed. His strep test was negative. They didn't test him for the flu but called it the flu and we left.
Now the third one has it with a fever. Is it the flu? Not sure. They have fevers but no aches and pains.
I upped my elderberry syrup every day while they were sick. They don't like elderberry syrup, so I ordered them some elderberry gummies
(thank you Amazon next day delivery!).I kept feeling like I was about to get sick, but I never did. One experience does not a scientific study make, but it made me a believer.
I was making my elderberry syrup on the stove, but now I make Instant Pot elderberry syrup with dried elderberries. It's quick and easy, and I don't have to watch it on the stove.
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup With Dried Elderberries
I love my Instant Pot! I use it several times a week for meal prep and for dinner. Don't miss my Instant Pot posts to help you get the most out of yours.
What Are The Benefits of Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberries have been used for over 2000 years as medicine. The syrup has gotten really popular the last few years, so you can find it in most pharmacies and at big box stores.
Elderberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins that can support your immune system. They are said to offer heart protection because they reduce inflammation.
When you are sick with a cold or cough, they are said to reduce the symptoms because they support your immune system.
Most people who take elderberry syrup love it, but there have been some studies done on their benefits.
One one study, they gave 60 adults with flu like symptoms elderberry syrup four times each day. They got over their symptoms four days quicker, and they had less severe symptoms than the control group who did not take elderberry.
In another study, Sambucol, which is in elderberry syrup, showed antiviral properties against 10 strains of the flu. It reduced symptoms by 3-4 days.
The study also tested inflammatory cytokines. They found that Sambucol activates the immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production in the body.
Pretty cool, huh?
Is It Safe to Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup?
Yes! Be sure to pick through your dried berries and discard any that look bad and any sticks that you find.
I prefer my Instant Pot elderberry syrup because it doesn't have preservatives or artificial colors or flavors in it.
How Long Does Elderberry Syrup Last?
Since there aren't any preservatives in this recipe, you have to store it in the fridge. It will last up to three months in the fridge. You can also freeze it so it lasts up to a year.
I like these containers
for freezing because they don't leak and they stack well.
How Do You Thicken Elderberry Syrup?
I don't mind the thicker syrup. I just take a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon. If you do want a thicker syrup, use the saute function on your Instant Pot to reduce it. I talk more about this in the directions.
Dried Elderberries
I wasn't able to find any fresh elderberries near me, so I ordered my dried elderberries online. I got mine on Amazon
, but you can also get them from Starwest Botanicals or on Etsy.
Can I Buy Elderberry Syrup?
Yes, there are several reputable brands! If you're here, chances are that you or a family member is sick. You probably don't want to mess with making an Instant Pot elderberry syrup when you need to rest or be taking care of a loved one.
My kids really like these elderberry gummies
. I have also bought this elderberry syrup
when I was too busy to make my own.Click here for a stove top elderberry syrup recipe with honey.
Want to make your own elderberry syrup but don't want to mess with all of the ingredients? This elderberry syrup kit is based on this recipe, and it has everything you need but the water and the raw honey.
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 inches of fresh chopped ginger or 2 tablespoons dried ginger
- Peel of 1 lemon (optional)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8-12 whole cloves
- 3/4 to 1 cup raw honey
to taste
- Juice of one lemon
Directions
Step #1
Place the water, dried elderberries, ginger, lemon peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in the liner of your Instant Pot.
Step #2
Turn the vent to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set the timer to 7 minutes. Turn off the keep warm setting.
Step #3
When it's done, do a quick release. When the pressure drops, open the lid and remove the inner pot and set on a heat safe surface. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step #4
Strain out the berries, ginger, and cinnamon sticks. I use cheesecloth to strain out the solids. Press the berries with the back of a spoon to get all of the juice out. Discard the solids or compost them.
If you want your Instant Pot elderberry syrup to be thick, put it back in the Instant Pot liner and back in the pot. Press the saute button and set it on low. Let it saute for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often.
Let cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step #5
When the syrup is cooled completely, add the raw honey and lemon juice. Stir well.
Step #6
Pour into a quart mason jar and keep refrigerated up to three months. You can also freeze it.
For daily use, adults can take 2 teaspoons daily and children can take 1 teaspoon daily. For more immune support, adults can take 2 teaspoons four times and day and children can take 1 teaspoon four times a day.
Yield: 192
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
prep time: 5 Mcook time: 30 Mtotal time: 35 M
How to make elderberry syrup in an Instant Pot.
ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 inches of fresh chopped ginger or 2 tablespoons dried ginger
- Peel of 1 lemon (optional)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8-12 whole cloves
- 3/4 to 1 cup raw honey to taste
- Juice of one lemon
instructions:
How to cook Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
- Place the water, dried elderberries, ginger, lemon peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in the liner of your Instant Pot.
- Turn the vent to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set the timer to 7 minutes. Turn off the keep warm setting.
- When it's done, do a quick release. When the pressure drops, open the lid and remove the inner pot and set on a heat safe surface. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain out the berries, ginger, and cinnamon sticks. I use cheesecloth to strain out the solids. Press the berries with the back of a spoon to get all of the juice out. Discard the solids or compost them.
- If you want your Instant Pot elderberry syrup to be thick, put it back in the Instant Pot liner and back in the pot. Press the saute button and set it on low. Let it saute for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Let cool completely before moving to the next step.
- When the syrup is cooled completely, add the raw honey and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Pour into a quart mason jar and keep refrigerated up to three months. You can also freeze it.
NOTES:
For daily use, adults can take 2 teaspoons daily and children can take 1 teaspoon daily. For more immune support, adults can take 2 teaspoons four times and day and children can take 1 teaspoon four times a day.
Calories
6.48
6.48
Fat (grams)
0.01
0.01
Sat. Fat (grams)
0.00
0.00
Carbs (grams)
1.73
1.73
Fiber (grams)
0.05
0.05
Net carbs
1.67
1.67
Sugar (grams)
1.49
1.49
Protein (grams)
0.03
0.03
Sodium (milligrams)
0.45
0.45
Cholesterol (grams)
0.00
0.00
Based on 1 teaspoon serving
Copyright © Koti Beth 2020. All rights reserved.
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