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Transforming Elderberries into Delicious Syrup
This simple, no-cook recipe takes just two ingredients to turn black elderberries into a rich syrup. Perfect for enhancing beverages, pancakes, or even roasted duck, the deep fruit flavor will surely entice you to make it repeatedly.
Embrace the Lesser-Known Elderberry
Typically, when we think of berries, common names like blueberries and strawberries easily come to mind. However, North America is home to hundreds of berry species, including the often-overlooked elderberries. Despite their medicinal uses, elderberries offer a unique culinary experience with their intense berry taste.
Discovering Elderberries
Elderberries thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Foraging trips can be guided using resources like Simply Recipes’ foraging guide. Alternatively, fresh or frozen elderberries can be purchased online from sources like Foraged Market and Northwest Wild Foods.
Handling Elderberries Safely
It’s important to note that elderberries should be cooked or fermented to eliminate toxins. Avoid consuming the plant’s leaves and stems. When prepared correctly, elderberries can be part of a delightful culinary adventure.
Fermentation vs. Cooking for Authentic Flavor
Fermentation brings out a sweet-tart, wine-like flavor in elderberry syrup, making it a superior choice over cooking, which can dull the berry’s brightness.
Creative Uses for Fermented Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Mix a teaspoon with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
- Swap with kir liqueur in a Kir Royale cocktail.
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
- Add to vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
- Enhance savory dishes like roasted duck or turkey.
Tips for Fermentation Success
- Look for tiny bubbles in the liquid to determine if fermentation has begun.
- Use either regular or organic granulated sugar.
- Don’t throw out the steeped elderberries; they’re great as a crunchy topping.
- Freeze extra syrup in ice cube trays for extended storage.
Additional Fermentation Projects
Consider exploring more fermentation-based recipes to expand your culinary repertoire.
Recipe Instructions
Ingredients:
- 450 grams of black elderberries (rinsed and thawed if frozen)
- 450 grams (or 2 cups plus scant 1/4 cup) of sugar
Steps:
- Prepare Elderberries: Rinse and thaw frozen elderberries in a strainer overnight in the fridge.
- Layer and Ferment: In a sterilized jar, layer berries and sugar, starting with sugar, shake gently, and store in a cool, dark place.
- Monitor: Shake the jar on day two. Look for juices by day three and check fermentation progress by day four.
- Ferment: Stir gently once fermentation starts, keeping an eye on the jar daily.
- Strain and Bottle: After two weeks, separate the syrup from the berries, bottle, and refrigerate.
Nutrition per serving includes 29 calories, 0g fat, and 7g carbs.
Enjoy experimenting with this unique and flavorful elderberry syrup!
