Elderberry Gummies

Cold and flu season has struck out household with an unwavering vengeance this year. I pride myself on the fact that we are normally extremely healthy; however, that is not the case lately. It seems like just when we get over one illness another roots itself in our bodies. Both of my daughters have gotten to the point where they won’t take my elderberry syrup off the spoon and I wanted to find an easier way for them to take it. These elderberry gummies fit the bill with being easy and super cute.

Elderberry syrup is what makes up the majority of these cute gummies. Elderberries have powerful immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties making the elderberry syrup a powerful immune system supporter during cold and flu season (or really, any time). Because of the wonderful foundation the elderberry syrup creates in the gummies we want to take extra care to not compromise it when processing these. I keep my thermometer right in the pot so I know exactly how warm it is at all times. You do not want to raise the heat abover 70°F or you will start burning off all the benefits to the syrup. You just want to get it warm enough for the gelatin to dissolve and then remove from the heat source.

Once you dissolve the gelatin you will need to move fairly quickly to get the gummies into the mold as the gelatin sets fast. I used 1ml sized silicone candy molds for this batch. You can make larger ones; however, you will want to keep in mind that a daily serving of these gummies for small children are two gummies. The 10ml sized molds are great for when you are ill as an adult for a larger serving size – this recipe will yield approximately 25-30 of the 10ml sized gummies.

I put my gummy molds onto a baking sheet before I start anything. This helps to keep the molds flat while moving and setting up. After popping the gummies out of the molds you will need to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of elderberry syrup
• 1/2 cup of apple juice
• 1 ounce of unflavored gelatin

Tools needed:

• Sauce pan
• Whisk
• Pipette or syringe
• Candy/gummy molds
• Candy thermometer

Method:

1. Lay gummy molds out onto baking sheets for stabilization and mobility.
2. In a sauce pan, slowly heat elderberry syrup and apple juice. Carefully watch the heat so it does not go above 70°F.
3. Whisk in gelatin until dissolved.
4. Remove pan from heat and carefully pipe liquid into gummy molds.
5. Place gummies in refrigerator for at least four hours to set up.
6. Pop gummies out of molds and enjoy!
7. Gummies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.

This recipe yields approximately 300 1ml sized gummies. The daily recommended maintenance amount for children is 2 gummies; for adults 3-4.

Due to the nature of elderberry syrup it is not recommended to give these gummies to children under the age of one year old.

I do not claim to be a medical professional or give out medical advice. Please consult with your primary care physician before using home remedies.