How to Make Elderberry Tonic

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By Heidi Braley
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Elderberries have long been known to have antiviral properties that help resist the common cold and other viruses. Having your your own supply on hand to ward off common viruses can keep you healthy during the typical flu season. With threats of the swine flu (F1N1) in the news, it is comforting to have some extra tools to fight for our health.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Pick the elderberries at the peak of ripeness. They are usually hanging down low on the branches and are a deep purple/black in color. Cut the whole umbel off and collect several in a bucket. Remove the tiny berries from the branches and stems. Some people use a fork but you will still need to pick through them. The stems have a waxy substance that will coat your pot and is hard to remove.
Step 2

Measure two cups of the berries into a large saucepan. Add two cups of water and bring to a boil. Use a potato masher to break the skins of the berries so that the juice is released. Let it boil for about 10 minutes in a open pot. This will remove the cyanide from the juice.
Step 3

Strain the fruit and collect the juice. Pour it back into the pot and add a cup of sugar. Bring it back to a boil and stir to make sure the sugar is dissolved. Skim off any scum that collects at the top of the juice.
Step 4

Pour the hot juice into pint jars, cover and seal in a hot water bath for ten minutes. Remove from the pot and give the lids a final tightening. Set on a towel to cool down to room temperature. Label with the ingredients and the date and store in a dark cool place.
Step 5

A couple of tablespoons a day is usually recommended. You can add it to brandy or vodka as a drink or add enough water for a fruity tasting drink without alcohol. It is also wonderful used as a syrup over ice cream.

Comments

mommyhen42 said

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on 9/7/2009 When I lived in Oregon, we had a beautiful old elderberry tree and used to make jelly from it, I had no idea that it would help with colds or flu made this way. I knew we had to cook them down in an open pot but had no idea that it was due to cyanide! wow, learn something new every day!