What Can You Do With Elderberries After Making Syrup?

Elderberries are a powerhouse of immune-boosting and gut-boosting benefits, making them a popular ingredient in many health-conscious households.

But what do you do with the leftover elderberry mash after making syrup? Don’t throw it away just yet!

In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use up every last bit of those precious elderberries. From flavoring your kombucha to making a soothing cup of tea, we’ve got you covered.

So let’s dive in and discover the many possibilities of elderberries beyond syrup-making.

What Can You Do With Elderberries After Making Syrup?

1. Flavor Your Kombucha

Instead of throwing away the elderberry mash, use it to flavor your kombucha! This way, you’ll get a double dose of immune-boosting and gut-boosting benefits. Simply place 1-2 tablespoons of elderberry mash into a tea bag and use 1 tea bag per 1 gallon of kombucha. You can also save the elderberry mash for later by filling up tea bags and placing them directly in the freezer, freezing the mash in 1 tablespoon portions in an ice cube tray, or portioning the mash onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Make Elderberry Tea

There are two simple ways to make elderberry tea using leftover elderberries after making syrup. First, you can add your mashed berries to a large teapot or saucepan, cover them with around 8 cups of boiling water, and allow them to steep for around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can simmer the leftover berries with whole peeled pears for about 30 minutes, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, and boil it until it becomes a syrupy consistency. Taste the syrup and sweeten it with more raw honey as desired before storing it in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator.

3. Add Flavor to Hot Drinks

Elderberry syrup adds a punch of flavor to hot drinks like coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and tea. For a calming end to the day, add some syrup to your nightly cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a pleasant and healthy nightcap.

Flavoring Kombucha With Elderberry Mash

Kombucha is a popular fermented tea that is known for its probiotic benefits. However, it can sometimes have a slightly sour or vinegary taste that may not be appealing to everyone. One way to add some sweetness and flavor to your kombucha is by using elderberry mash.

To do this, simply take the leftover elderberry mash from making syrup and place it in a tea bag. Use one tea bag per gallon of kombucha and allow it to steep for a few days until you achieve your desired flavor. You can also add complementary herbs like ginger or cinnamon for an extra kick.

The result is a delicious and nutritious drink that not only tastes great but also provides immune-boosting benefits. Elderberries are known for their ability to support the immune system, making this a highly medicinal beverage that’s wonderful to have on hand during cold and flu season.

By using elderberry mash to flavor your kombucha, you’re also reducing waste and making the most out of your ingredients. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to enjoy the benefits of both elderberries and kombucha in one delicious drink.

Making Elderberry Powder For Smoothies And Baked Goods

Another great way to use leftover elderberries after making syrup is by making elderberry powder. This powder can be used in smoothies, baked goods, and even as a natural food coloring agent. Here’s how to make elderberry powder:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.

2. Spread the leftover elderberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the elderberries dry out for 4-6 hours or until they are completely dry and brittle.

4. Once the elderberries are dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

5. Place the cooled elderberries in a blender or food processor and blend until they become a fine powder.

6. Store the elderberry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

You can add this powder to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or any other recipe that could benefit from the immune-boosting properties of elderberries. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color to your baked goods without using artificial food coloring. Just remember to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way!

Creating A Soothing Elderberry Tea

Elderberry tea is a simple and effective way to boost your immune system and soothe your throat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a soothing elderberry tea using leftover elderberries after making syrup:

1. Gather Your Ingredients

You will need 1 cup of leftover mashed elderberries, 4 cups of filtered water, and 1 cinnamon stick.

2. Combine the Ingredients

Add the mashed elderberries, water, and cinnamon stick to a small saucepan and stir well.

3. Boil the Mixture

Heat the mixture on high just until the tea starts to boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Let It Rest

Let the tea cool in the pot for 5 minutes.

5. Strain the Tea

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug and enjoy.

6. Optional: Sweeten with Honey

If desired, sweeten the tea with raw honey before drinking for added flavor and health benefits.

This soothing elderberry tea is perfect for those cold winter nights when you need a little extra comfort and immune support. It’s also a great way to use up leftover elderberries after making syrup, so you can get the most out of this amazing superfood!

Adding Elderberry Mash To Oatmeal Or Yogurt

If you’re looking for a way to add some extra nutrition and flavor to your breakfast, consider adding elderberry mash to your oatmeal or yogurt. Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of the leftover elderberry mash into your oatmeal or yogurt, along with any other toppings you enjoy. The sweet and tangy flavor of the elderberries pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of oatmeal or yogurt, making for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

To take it up a notch, try adding some nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit to your oatmeal or yogurt along with the elderberry mash. This will add some extra crunch and texture, as well as even more nutritional benefits. You can also experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek or coconut, to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

By adding elderberry mash to your breakfast, you’ll be starting your day off on the right foot with a boost of antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover elderberries after making syrup. So next time you’re looking for a way to switch up your breakfast routine, give elderberry mash a try in your oatmeal or yogurt.

Making Elderberry Gummies For Kids And Adults Alike

Elderberry gummies are a fun and tasty way to support your immune system, and they are easy to make using leftover elderberry syrup. Here’s how to make elderberry gummies for kids and adults alike:

1. Start by making elderberry syrup using the recipe above. Once you have made the syrup, reserve 1 cup of it for the gummies.

2. In a small saucepan, warm the elderberry syrup over medium-low heat. Add in 3 tablespoons of gelatin and use a flat whisk to dissolve it completely.

3. Once the gelatin is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the liquid into silicone molds. If you don’t have silicone molds, you can use a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

4. Let the gummies set in the fridge for 2-3 hours until they are firm.

5. Remove the gummies from the molds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Elderberry gummies are a great way to get kids to take their medicine, but they are also a fun treat for adults. You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon, ginger, or other spices to the mix. Just be sure to use caution when giving elderberry products to children under one year old, as honey is not recommended for this age group.