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Elderberry Elixir

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Also known as ‘Elderberry Rob’ this recipe is an every house essential. Easy to make, delicious to taste and our greatest keep-me-healthy-this-winter herbal remedy on our doorstep.

Elderberries have a time honoured position as one of the great lung tonics which is especially valued in the damp cold of Northern Europe. These dark-purple berries are a rich source of Vitamin C, anthocyanins and flavonoids, all of which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from immune damaging free radicals. Elderberries have a strong affinity for the respiratory system and encourage the process of expectoration reducing acute and chronic mucous congestion. Their sweet juices are incredibly soothing and coat the mucous membranes, alleviating sore throats and irritating coughs. Elderberries have also been shown to halt a virus’s ability to proliferate (by neutralising the neuraminidase enzyme that many ‘flu drugs target) and prevent viral replication in the respiratory mucous membranes. Amazingly it neutralises 10 strains of flu virus. Use elderberry at the first sign of contact.

This recipe is an essential store remedy for the fridge during the winter months.

Prepare in
60min
Cook for
30min

What you do

Method

  • Collect your fresh berries on a quintessentially autumnal day. Wash and destalk the berries by using a fork as a mini ‘rake’. It's a rather satisfying job as the berries ‘pop’ off their stalks.
  • Put the loose 1Kg of elderberries in a pan with a cupful of water and simmer until they have released most of their juices.
  • Crush and strain the berries through a sieve.
  • Put the juice back in a saucepan with the cloves cinnamon, grated ginger root and sugar.
  • Simmer for another 30mins on low heat
  • Strain and then store in tightly sealed sterilised bottles.
  • Store in the fridge for up to two weeks

Using the syrup

Add two tablespoons of elderberry elixir in a cup of hot water throughout the winter months.

Pukka tips

  • If you don't want to add sugar then skip that step and add the juice to some ice trays and store in the freezer. When you want a cup just pop the elderberry-cube out, add hot water and a little honey to sweeten.
  • If you need some ready prepared elixir, Pukka have a delicious organic Elderberry Syrup made with Manuka honey, thyme and ginger that’s good for all the family.

What you need

  • 1 kg elderberries
  • 5 cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 inch piece ginger
  • 250 grams sugar