So, you decided to make the legendary elixir of immune immune support – homemade elderberry syrup – for cold and flu season, and now you’re playing tetris in your pantry with a bag of leftover dried elderberries. I get it. Really I do. And I have a solution . . . or a few, actually.
This recipe is exactly the same as my elderberry syrup recipe with a just a few quick additional steps. If you make a double batch of elderberry syrup, you’ll end up with one jar of syrup PLUS homemade jam for just .000001% more effort.
This might be more exciting to me than the actual jam, because as you probably noticed in this cauliflower pizza crust recipe and this healthy chicken nugget recipe, I LOVE saving time in the kitchen.
Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries are rich in several constituents such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are highly bioactive antioxidants that:
- Help the body absorb vitamin C – This is important because vitamin C is essential for immune function and other processes like collagen synthesis (1)
- Have a positive impact on oxidative stress – It’s rich in compounds such as phenols and anthocyanidins, which are thought to work synergistically to counteract free radicals. (2)
- Support the immune system
More Elderberry Recipes To Try
Elderberry And Strawberry Jam Recipe
This elderberry jam recipe is as easy as pie – actually, much easier than that! If you want to make a batch of elderberry syrup at the same time you make jam, you’ll need to increase the amount of water, elderberries and honey. I’ve included instructions for both below.
Elderberry Jam Recipe With Fresh Strawberries
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried elderberries (add additional 1/2 cup if you're also making elderberry syrup)
- 2 cups water (add 2 cups if making elderberry syrup)
- ⅔ cup raw honey (add 1 cup if making elderberry syrup)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cut in half – previously frozen strawberries will work, just thaw them first)
- 12 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- 1. Add the water and elderberries to a medium pot and bring to a boil.
- 2. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half – this should take around 45 minutes.
- 3. Strain out the elderberries. If you doubled your ingredients to make both elderberry syrup and jam, divide your liquid in half by pouring 1 cup into a jar and one cup back into the pot. If you’re just making jam, strain out the elderberries and pour the liquid back into the pot. Below are separate instructions for making just jam, or making jam and elderberry syrup.
If you’re only making the elderberry jam:
- Using a potato masher, mash the strawberries until they are in small chunks. After you strain out the elderberries, pour the liquid back into the pot, place the pot back on the burner, and add the chia seeds. Stir for about 20-30 seconds and then add in the strawberries and 2/3 cup honey. Allow the mixture to sit for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool for about 15 minutes before transferring to two pint jar. Cover with a lid and place in the fridge to thicken overnight.
If you’re making elderberry jam and syrup:
- To make the syrup – Allow the liquid you’ve poured in a jar to cool until it has reached room temperature, then stir in one cup of honey. Place a lid on the jar and store in the fridge for later use.
- Using a potato masher, mash the strawberries until they are in small chunks. After you strain out the elderberries, pour the liquid back into the pot, place the pot back on the burner, and add the chia seeds. Stir for about 20-30 seconds and then add in the strawberries and 2/3 cup honey. Allow the mixture to sit for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool for about 15 minutes before transferring to two pint jar. Cover with a lid and place in the fridge to thicken overnight.
Nutrition
Also, if you’re growing elderberry at home, you can make this recipe with fresh elderberries. Just use one cup fresh instead of 1/2 cup dried.
Sources:
1. Jones, E and Hughes, R.E. (1984) The influence of bioflavonoids on the absorption of vitamin C
2. Netzel, M et. al. (2005) The excretion and biological antioxidant activity of elderberry antioxidants in healthy humans
Ido
What is the dosage of elderberry tonic an adult vs a child should take?
Do you just store this in the refrigerator?
How long will it last in the refrigerator?
Thank you so much!
Martha
Can one use the actual leftover elderberries from making the syrup for making the jam? Perhaps run thru vitamix??
Heather
Hi Martha! I tried adding the berries whole, but found that the seeds in the middle added a crunchy texture that didn’t quite fit with my idea of how jam should be. Not sure if running them through a Vitamix would help or if it would still feel gritty.
Mj Hill
I used my juicer for eldeberries!..
It was messy but the jam had no crunchy seeds and an extra awesome flavor
Amanda
Could I leave out the strawberries or put in a different fruit? My daughter is allergic.
Grace
Should I can them?
Heather Dessinger
This recipe is not intended for canning. 🙂
Sandra
I wanted to know the same thing. Can I substitute another fruit for the
strawberries ? Maybe blackberries
Paula
I followed the link for Apple cider vinegar and instead got jam recipe?!/:
Kawiana
Me too…???
Heather
So sorry about that! Here’s the correct link: https://mommypotamus.com/apple-cider-vinegar-toner/
Colleen
Heather, I grew my own elderberries this year. I cooked them down and crushed them. They are VERY tart/bitter by themselves. Without any straining, I mixed and mashed strawberries with the elderberries, a bit of Orange zest, a bit of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar. Should I sweeten to taste, add pectin and process in a water bath?
Thanks,
Colleen
JoyceH
I leave a good amount of the seeds in the juice I make I would like to know if ingesting the seeds in increased amounts could possibly be a problem?
Taunya
Does heating the honey, even for 2 or 3 minutes, reduce the medicinal benefits of the honey? Could you add it later when the moisture cooled a bit?
Heather
It is possible that it may diminish it some, but the elderberries maintain potency. I have not tried adding the honey after cooling, but if you do please let us know how it works out.
Crystal
What benefits are there with using the chia seeds? Can I leave them out?
Heather
The chia seeds help it thicken. If you want to leave them out you’ll need to use another recipe to achieve jelly/jam consistency. I have one for strawberry jam here.
Linda Williams
Can you use the red and green berries as well as the purple/blue berries? For the syrup, jelly?
Heather
I would only use the purple/blue.
Alexandria Cowell
Heather/Does anyone know, Can I process this in a water bath for canning, to keep it shelf stable?
Heather Dessinger
I don’t have any experience with canning so I’m not sure, unfortunately. Maybe someone else can chime in.
Briana
How long will this Jam last?? Also, can I leave out the strawberries and just use elderberries?
Heather Dessinger
We typically use ours up within 2-3 weeks. I think strawberries are pretty necessary in this recipe to give it thickness and texture.
Carolyn
Could the chai seeds be ground rather than left whole?
SS
Just made the jam – followed your recipe (just skimped a little on the honey so it wasn’t too sweet) It was super easy and delicious! Thank you!
Jerry
I love elderberries