How to Make Elderberry Gummies at Home
When the seasons turn, it’s almost certain that colds and the flu are on its way. Elderberry gummies are a delicious way to help defend or lessen those seasonal illnesses in your household. They are also a fun way to get kids or almost anyone to join in on the herbal fun!
With just a few ingredients, you can turn plain Elderberry into an edible treat that helps you and your family stay healthy through the seasons.
Elderberry Benefits
In the herbal community, elderberry has been a hallmark of cold and flu prevention as well as helping to reduce the overall time that symptoms express. Elderberry does this by boosting the immune system when taken regularly.
Many sources detail that elderberries are a potent source for Vitamins A & C as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Why Beef Gelatin
It is widely known that collagen plays a major role in healthy skin, nails, muscles, joints and other body tissues.
It is also well known that gelatin is a form of collagen that has been broken down. This process of breaking down may result in easier digestion. Using gelatin in this recipe may allow for easier absorption of the nutrients included in the gelatin (protein and amino acids) and other ingredients (in this case, elderberry!)
Making Elderberry Juice
This recipe calls for elderberry juice or elderberry syrup. If you already have elderberry syrup or an elderberry syrup kit, feel free to use that syrup in place of the juice. If you want to use elderberry juice, there are a few extra steps you need to take.
To make elderberry juice, it’s best to start with fresh or frozen elderberries. Add 6 cups of fresh or frozen elderberries to a small pot with 3 cup of water.
Boil the elderberries and water for 10 minutes with the lid on.
After 10 minutes, most of the elderberries should have burst open. To ensure all betters are open, mash the elderberry juice with a potato masher that has small holes.
Assemble your mesh sieve, funnel and liquid measuring cup to strain the elderberry juice. Once all juice is stops dripping, squeeze the berries to remove any remaining juices.
After squeezing the elderberries, you should have about 1 ½ cups of elderberry juice.
Looking for more elderberry recipes? Try this Elderberry Oxymel recipe and this elderberry syrup!
Ingredients and Tools for Elderberry Gummies
¼ cup Beef gelatin (be sure to use beef gelatin and not collagen peptides, it’ll make a big difference!) – I like to use this gelatin
1 ½ cups Elderberry juice or elderberry syrup
Raw Honey (optional but recommended if you use elderberry juice)
Silicone mold or glass baking dish
Whisk
A saucepan
Directions
In a saucepan, add your elderberry juice or syrup and heat.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you’re using elderberry juice, you can bring to a light simmer. If you’re using elderberry syrup that has raw honey, heat to 95℉
When the elderberry liquid is heated, sprinkle gelatin evenly on the elderberry liquid and whisk until dissolved and smooth.
When all ingredients are well combined, transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish or silicone mold.
Transfer to the refrigerator to cool until firm.
Once firm, remove from the mold or cut into square pieces. Store in the back of your refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
Elderberry Gummies FAQ:
What are the benefits of Elderberry?
In the herbal community, Elderberry has been a hallmark of cold and flu prevention as well as helping to reduce the overall time that symptoms express. Elderberry products do this by boosting the immune system when taken regularly. Many sources detail that elderberries are a potent source for Vitamins A & C as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Can I substitute the gelatin for something else?
This recipe specifically includes beef gelatin for both the health benefits and performance in creating the final product. You may choose to use a gelatin substitute. However, you may not get the same exact result. Follow a recipe for your desired gelatin substitute.
How long do these elderberry gummies last?
If stored in the right conditions, elderberry gummies can last about two weeks. If you want to make a large batch and store them in the freezer, you can. Just be aware that the texture is likely to change with the freezing process.
What are the benefits of elderberries?
Elderberries are a hallmark of cold and flu prevention as well as reducing the overall time that symptoms express. It is said that Elderberry does this by boosting the immune system when taken regularly.
Many sources detail that elderberries are a potent source for Vitamins A & C as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins.
What are the benefits of gelatin?
The collagen within gelatin plays a major role in the building of healthy skin, nails, muscles, joints and other body tissues in both humans and animals.
It is also well known that gelatin is a form of collagen that has been broken down. This process of breaking down may result in easier digestion. Using gelatin in this recipe may allow for easier absorption of the nutrients included in the gelatin (protein and amino acids) and other ingredients.
