Learn how to make elderberry gummies homemade for a natural remedy to support your immune system. These gummies are naturally sweetened with honey and have beef gelatin for a natural gummy that tastes great for kids or adults.'
Homemade Elderberry Gummies Recipe
I make elderberry syrup several times throughout the year, and I always have it on hand for the winter months. We all take elderberry syrup to support our immune systems during the colder weather.
Elderberries have been used for centuries in natural medicine. Today, these little berries are experiencing a resurgence, and for good reason—they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
Making elderberry gummies is not only a delicious way to incorporate this herbal remedy into your diet but also fun. These chewy treats offer a sweet and enjoyable way to fortify your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
The best part? They’re cost-effective and much healthier than store-bought versions, which are often filled with unnecessary additives. When you make them yourself, you can control the quality and purity of the ingredients.
Keep reading to learn how to make elderberry gummies from dried berries or by starting with elderberry syrup.
What Are Elderberries?
Elderberries come from the Sambucus tree, commonly found in Europe and North America. Their rich purple hue is a sign of their antioxidant content, which plays a vital role in supporting immune health.
Historically, elderberries were used in folk medicine to treat colds, flu, and infections. Today, they continue to be a natural go-to for immune support, particularly during the colder months when viral infections are rampant.
Customizing Your Elderberry Gummies
One of the best things about homemade gummies is how easy they are to customize. You can add other immune-boosting herbs like echinacea or astragalus, or even slip in a little black pepper to enhance absorption.
Natural flavors like lemon, orange, or vanilla can also alter the taste, making them more appealing to picky eaters.
For those looking to cut back on sugar, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey.
And if you’re vegan, agar-agar is a perfect substitute for gelatin, ensuring your gummies are plant-based and cruelty-free.
Storage Tips for Homemade Elderberry Gummies
Homemade elderberry gummies will stay fresh for about two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For long-term storage, you can freeze them. Simply place the gummies on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they’re fully frozen.
To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few minutes, or pop one in your mouth straight from the freezer for a cool treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Elderberry Gummies
One common mistake is overheating the elderberry syrup. Elderberries lose some of their nutritional potency when exposed to high heat for too long, so always keep the temperature low and gentle.
Another issue is improper setting. Patience is key when making gummies—allow them to fully firm up in the fridge before removing them from the molds.
Lastly, using low-quality ingredients can diminish the health benefits of your gummies, so always opt for fresh, high-quality elderberries and sweeteners.
Ingredients and Supplies for Elderberry Gummies
This makes about 60-70 gummies in the mold that I used. The amounts for each ingredient are listed below in the recipe card.
Elderberries. The star ingredient, of course, is elderberry. Use dried elderberries to make this recipe for elderberry gummies. Look for organic berries or wildcrafted berries. I get my elderberries from Mountain Rose Herbs or Grassroot Herb Supply.
Honey. I recommend using raw honey to sweeten your gummies. Use a local honey if you can find one. Otherwise, order a high quality raw honey.
Gelatin. You’ll also need a thickening agent, typically gelatin. I used grass fed beef gelatin. For those looking for a plant-based option, agar-agar, derived from seaweed, works just as well. Note that agar-agar will yield a firmer gummy that melts at a higher temperature.
Silicone mold. You can use a gummy bear mold or any mold with small cavities. This is the mold that I used.
Directions
Step #1
Make an elderberry tea. Place the dried elderberries and water in a medium sized saucepan. Heat over high heat. When it just starts to boil, turn the heat down and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Strain out the elderberries and pour the tea into a mason jar.
Step #2
Slowly add raw honey and sprinkle the gelatin in the elderberry tea. Stir until dissolved.
Step #3
Pour the mixture into the silicone mold. You can also use a pipette to drop it into the molds for less mess. Place in the fridge for a few hours until firm.
Step #4
Remove from the mold and enjoy. Store in the fridge.
How to Make Homemade Elderberry Gummies from Elderberry Syrup
I take elderberry syrup, but my kids prefer the gummies. If you want to start with elderberry syrup, you can use a high quality premade syrup or make your own elderberry syrup.
We sell elderberry syrup kits to make it easy to make your own. They save you money and time because you don't need to buy all of the ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- 1/4 cup gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup very hot water (do not use boiling water)
Directions
- Add 1/4 cup cooled elderberry syrup to a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin powder over the surface and whisk until dissolved.
- Add the hot water and stir quickly until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the rest of the elderberry syrup and whisk until smooth.
- Pour into molds. Place in the fridge for 2 hours or until firm.
- Unmold and store in the fridge.
Want to learn how to make your own herbal remedies? I highly recommend taking courses from The Herbal Academy. They have courses and workshops from beginner to advanced.
For more natural wellness recipes, check out these posts:
- Honey and Onion Cough Syrup Recipe
- How to Make Oil of Oregano Tincture
- How to Make Oil of Oregano
- Turmeric Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Turmeric Ginger Shots Recipe
- How to Make Elderberry Tea
- How to Make Cough Syrup
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We also have a line of herbal kits so you can learn how to make your own herbal remedies. Our kits save you time and money and are based on the recipes I've been making for my family for years.
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