How to Make Fruit Flavored Syrups

Fruit syrups add the taste of fresh berries to your dishes.

The label may say real fruit, but in reality, many store-bought fruit syrups are made using chemicals and preservatives. If you want to add the taste of sweet fruit to your dish but don't want the added ingredients, consider making your own syrups. Although fruit syrups can take three or more hours to prepare, the taste is well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• 1¼ cups of ripe berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• Bowl
• Potato Masher
• 1½ cups sugar
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• Strainer
• 4 layers of cheesecloth
• Saucepan
• 2 Sterilized half-pint jars with lids

Instructions

1. Wash the fruit and remove any leaves and stems. Use the potato masher to crush the berries in the bowl. Transfer the crushed berries to a saucepan.

2. Heat the saucepan on medium-high heat until the berries boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the fruit while cooking to prevent scorching.

3. Line the strainer with four layers of cheesecloth. Pour the contents of the saucepan into strainer. Let the juice drain into the bowl for 2 hours.

4. Pour the juice back into the saucepan. Add the sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice to the saucepan. Heat the pan until you achieve a rolling boil, and cook for 1 minute.

5. Remove the pan from the heat, and skim off any foam. Pour the syrup into sterilized jars, and store it in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Warnings

• Sterilizing your jars in boiling water before use is integral to killing bacteria and preventing food contamination. Simply washing your jars in the sink or dishwasher is not enough.

References

• Clemson University: Fruit Syrups and Honeys
• Utah State University: Fruit Sauces & Syrups Booklet