Elderberry Immune Gummies

Ingredients

• ●1 cup elderberry syrup (see recipe below, or use store-bought)
• ●3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin powder
• ●1 tablespoon raw honey (optional — the syrup is already sweet)
• ●1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ●*For homemade elderberry syrup:**
• ●1 cup dried elderberries
• ●3 cups filtered water
• ●1 cinnamon stick
• ●4 whole cloves
• ●1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• ●1 cup raw honey
• ●*Elderberry syrup method:**
• ●Combine elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• ●Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
• ●Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the berries to extract all the juice.
• ●Let cool to below 40°C (104°F), then stir in the honey. (Adding honey to hot liquid destroys its beneficial enzymes.)
• ●Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Keeps for 2-3 months.

Method

1. Pour 1/2 cup of the elderberry syrup into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface evenly. Let bloom for 5 minutes (it will absorb the liquid and become spongy).
2. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Don't boil.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of elderberry syrup, the honey (if using), and the lemon juice.
4. Pour into silicone gummy molds using a dropper, squeeze bottle, or small spoon.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
6. Pop out of molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
7. *Suggested use:** 2-4 gummies daily for adults, 1-2 for children over age 2.