Elderberries are a versatile fruit that can be used to make a variety of delicious and healthy products, including elderberry syrup, tea, and even wine. However, many people are unaware that the elderberries used to make syrup can be reused to create a second batch of elderberry tea. This tea is not as potent as the syrup, but it still contains beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.
Benefits of Reusing Elderberries
There are several benefits to reusing elderberries after making syrup:
- Cost-effective: Reusing elderberries is a great way to save money. Elderberries can be expensive, so reusing them allows you to get more bang for your buck.
- Reduced waste: Reusing elderberries helps to reduce waste. Instead of throwing away the used elderberries, you can put them to good use by making tea.
- Additional nutrients: Even though the elderberries have been used to make syrup, they still contain some beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Reusing them allows you to extract these additional nutrients.
How to Reuse Elderberries
Reusing elderberries is a simple process. Here are the steps:
- Strain the elderberries: After you have made elderberry syrup, strain the elderberries to remove the liquid.
- Rinse the elderberries: Rinse the elderberries with water to remove any remaining syrup.
- Add the elderberries to a pot: Add the elderberries to a pot with 4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea: Strain the tea to remove the elderberries.
- Sweeten to taste: If desired, sweeten the tea to taste with honey or another sweetener.
Dosage
The dosage of elderberry tea will vary depending on the individual. However, most experts recommend drinking 1-2 cups of tea per day.
Precautions
Elderberries are generally safe for most people. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Do not eat raw elderberries: Raw elderberries contain a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Do not use elderberries if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: Elderberries may interact with certain medications and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Talk to your doctor before using elderberries: If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before using elderberries.
Reusing elderberries after making syrup is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and extract additional nutrients from this healthy fruit. Elderberry tea is a delicious and healthy beverage that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup with Dried Elderberries | Bumblebee Apothecary
FAQ
What can you use elderberry syrup for?
Can you reuse elderberries?
How do you remove toxins from elderberries?
Can you make elderberry syrup with dried elderberries?
Making Elderberry Syrup is a lot like making tea; boil water, add berries, steep, and strain. I decided to make those dried Elderberries work even harder by reusing them in a second batch! Now this second batch of Elderberry “Tea” (as I call it) is definitely not as potent as Elderberry Syrup.
What are the benefits of combining elderberry tea and blueberry tea?
Natural health specialists have indicated that combining elderberry tea and blueberry tea may improve circulation. This can improve oxygen and nutrient supply to the different parts of the body. It is important to note that no studies have proven this however, combining elderberry tea and blueberry tea is unlikely to be harmful.
What can I add to elderberry syrup?
Lemon – some lemon juice and/or lemon zest can be added for flavor and to boost vitamin C. While this syrup is easy to make, the most difficult part is preparing the fresh elderberries, as it takes a bit of work. You may choose to use dried elderberries to make things easier!
How do you preserve elderberry syrup?
Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a medium glass bowl. Mash the berries with the back of a spoon to extract all the juices. Allow the elderberry juice to cool slightly (about 110 degrees) and add in honey and apple cider vinegar. Stir until honey has dissolved. Pour into a glass storage jar and keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.