Oh, honey, let me tell you about something truly special. It all started one particularly brutal cold and flu season. The whole family was down for the count, and I was desperate for something, anything, that would offer some relief. I had heard whispers about the immune-boosting power of elderberries and the soothing properties of honey. Then, I stumbled upon the idea of combining them and taking it a step further: fermented elderberry honey. It sounded intriguing, a little bit magical, and definitely worth a shot.

The first batch wasn’t perfect, I’ll admit. It got a little too bubbly (we’ve all been there, right?), but the taste was incredible, and honestly, that winter wasn’t nearly as bad as I had anticipated.

Now, fermented elderberry honey is a staple in our household. It’s my go-to remedy at the first sign of a sniffle, and it’s become a delicious, healthy addition to our everyday lives. I drizzle it on yogurt, stir it into tea, and sometimes, I just take a spoonful straight from the jar. Don’t judge! It’s that good. What I really wanted was something to help keep us strong during those winter months, and this immune boosting honey has done just that! It is a simple elderberry syrup recipe that helps to make the honey even more delicious.

Making fermented elderberry honey might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. The honey fermentation process is a natural one. And the flavor? Oh, the flavor! The fermentation process deepens the honey’s sweetness and adds a delightful complexity that you just can’t get any other way. This fermented elderberry honey is packed with flavor and beneficial properties. The honey fermentation process makes the mixture even more healthy.

I know life gets hectic, and finding time to make homemade remedies can feel like just another thing on your never-ending to-do list. But this is one of those things that’s truly worth the effort. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes into it, so you know you’re giving your family the very best. Come on, let’s make this together!

Ingredients for Fermented Elderberry Honey

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of immune-boosting goodness. High-quality ingredients are key to a successful ferment and a delicious final product!

1 cup dried elderberries – I always use organic when making my fermented elderberry honey, but it’s not a must.
1 cup raw, unfiltered honey – Local honey is best, if you can find it, especially when making this fermented elderberry honey. The quality of the honey really makes a difference!
1/2 cup filtered water
1 cinnamon stick – Adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the elderberries beautifully in this fermented elderberry honey.
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced – Ginger gives a little kick and boosts the immune-supporting power of this amazing fermented elderberry honey. You can find good ginger at your local grocery store!

Tips for Sourcing Ingredients

Okay, a little tip for you, when making fermented elderberry honey, you can find dried elderberries at most health food stores or online. But my mom always taught me to check the bulk bins first – you can often save a few bucks that way! For raw honey, I try to buy local whenever possible. It supports local beekeepers, and the honey often has pollen that can help with allergies.

You can even prep the ingredients for your fermented elderberry honey ahead of time! I often measure out the elderberries and slice the ginger in the evening, so everything is ready to go the next day. And if you have leftover ginger, just pop it in the freezer! It’ll keep for months, and you can grate it directly into your recipes.

For the honey, make sure to store it in a cool, dark place. Honey lasts practically forever, but it can crystallize over time. If that happens, just warm it gently in a water bath to bring it back to its liquid state. And remember, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. More ginger for a spicier kick? Go for it! A splash of lemon juice for added brightness? Absolutely! This fermented elderberry honey is all about making it your own.

How to Make Fermented Elderberry Honey – Step-by-Step

Alright, girlfriend, let’s get down to business and make some seriously amazing fermented elderberry honey! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way. From simmering the elderberries to burping the jar, each step is crucial for creating a safe and potent remedy.

Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a saucepan. – I learned the hard way with fermented elderberry honey that using a stainless steel or glass saucepan is best. Avoid aluminum, as it can react with the acidity of the elderberries.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. – Don’t walk away! Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. In my kitchen, making the elderberry syrup recipe usually takes exactly 45 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. – This is important because you don’t want to add the honey while the mixture is too hot, as it can damage the beneficial enzymes in the honey. We want all those fermented honey benefits!
Strain the elderberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. – This step can get a little messy, so I usually do it over the sink. Don’t worry if your fermented elderberry honey mixture looks a little cloudy – that’s perfectly normal.
Let the strained elderberry liquid cool completely. – Patience is key here! The liquid needs to be completely cool before you add the honey. Otherwise, the heat can kill the beneficial bacteria we want for fermentation.
Once the elderberry liquid is cool, pour it into a clean glass jar. – I like to use a mason jar with a wide mouth for easy pouring. Make sure the jar is completely dry to prevent mold growth. If you are concerned, you can sanitize the jar in boiling water.
Pour the raw honey over the elderberry liquid, leaving at least an inch of headspace at the top of the jar. – This is crucial because the fermentation process will create gases, and you need that extra space to prevent the jar from overflowing.
Stir the honey and elderberry mixture gently to combine. – I use a wooden spoon for this step because metal can sometimes react with the honey.
Cover the jar loosely with a lid or a coffee filter secured with a rubber band. – This allows gases to escape while preventing unwanted critters from getting in. I learned the hard way with fruit flies one summer!
Store the jar at room temperature in a dark place for several days, or even a few weeks, allowing the honey to ferment. – The honey fermentation process will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the temperature of your home and the activity of the natural yeasts in the honey. Your fermented elderberry honey should smell like a combination of honey and the elderberry plants. You can test the pH of the honey to ensure it is fermenting correctly.
Burp the jar daily by opening the lid briefly to release any built-up gases. – This is super important to prevent explosions! Just a quick little “burp” is all it takes. While the fermented elderberry honey is cooking, I like to take a nice walk around the block. I find that it helps to clear my head and come back ready for the next step.
You’ll know the fermented elderberry honey is ready when it starts to bubble slightly and has a tangy, slightly alcoholic aroma. – The bubbles might be small, so keep an eye out! Taste it, too! It should taste sweet and tangy, with a hint of elderberry. If it has a bad smell, then discard the batch. It should smell like a nice fermented honey!
Once the honey is fermented to your liking, seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator. – The cold temperature will slow down the fermentation process and help preserve the honey. Storing the honey in a dark area is vital as well.
Use your amazing fermented elderberry honey to ward off sickness!

Serving Suggestions

My family absolutely loves this fermented elderberry honey! It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. From breakfast to snacks to even savory dishes, there’s always a way to incorporate this health-boosting honey into your diet.

The kids love our fermented elderberry honey when I drizzle it over their pancakes or waffles in the morning. It adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of immunity to start their day off right. I also love stirring a spoonful into my tea, especially when I’m feeling a little under the weather. The warm, soothing honey combined with the elderberry goodness is just what I need. You can also put the fermented elderberry honey in smoothies! That is a great way to take this supplement.

This fermented elderberry honey is perfect for the cold and flu season, of course, but I also make it year-round. It’s a great way to support our immune systems and keep us healthy. I even bring a jar with me when we travel, just in case.

For a simple and delicious snack, try spreading some fermented elderberry honey on a slice of whole-grain toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth and get a dose of antioxidants.

If you have extra fermented elderberry honey, you can use it to make a glaze for chicken or pork. Just brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a beautiful, flavorful finish. Or, you can add it to salad dressings for a touch of sweetness and complexity.

During the summer, I like to make a refreshing fermented elderberry honey lemonade. Just mix the honey with lemon juice and water, and add some ice. It’s the perfect drink for a hot day. My friends always ask for this fermented elderberry honey recipe when they try it! They can’t believe how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. The fermented honey benefits are amazing and so worth it to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, honey, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making fermented elderberry honey. I’ve been there, done that, and learned a few things along the way!

Troubleshooting Your Ferment

Q: My fermented elderberry honey isn’t bubbling. Is it still working?

A: Absolutely! Not all batches of fermented elderberry honey bubble vigorously. It depends on the activity of the wild yeasts in your honey and the temperature of your environment. As long as you followed the steps and you’re burping the jar, you’re likely still getting fermentation. Give it some time, and trust the process!

Q: My fermented elderberry honey smells a little… alcoholic. Is that normal?

A: Yep, that’s totally normal! The fermentation process produces a small amount of alcohol, which is why you might notice that aroma. It won’t get you drunk or anything, don’t worry!

Ingredient Substitutions and Safety

Q: Can I use regular honey instead of raw honey?

A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Raw honey contains the beneficial enzymes and wild yeasts that are essential for fermentation. Regular honey is often pasteurized, which kills those beneficial components. If you want to take the fermented honey benefits, you should only use raw honey!

Q: How long does fermented elderberry honey last?

A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, fermented elderberry honey can last for several months, even up to a year! The high sugar content of the honey acts as a natural preservative.

Q: Can I give fermented elderberry honey to my kids?

A: You should not give honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. For older children, fermented elderberry honey is generally safe in small amounts. However, it’s always best to check with your pediatrician first, especially if your child has any underlying health conditions.

Storage and Flavor Variations

Q: My fermented elderberry honey crystallized. Can I still use it?

A: Absolutely! Crystallization is a natural process that happens to honey over time. Just gently warm the jar in a water bath until the crystals dissolve. The honey will still be perfectly safe and effective.

Q: Can I add other herbs or spices to my fermented elderberry honey?

A: Definitely! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors. I’ve added cloves, star anise, and even a pinch of cayenne pepper to my fermented elderberry honey before. It’s all about finding what you like! My friends and blog readers have found that by adding different spices you can help to personalize the fermented honey benefits.

My Final Thoughts

This fermented elderberry honey recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents a commitment to my family’s health and well-being. It’s a simple, natural remedy that I can feel good about giving them.

My Pro Tips:

Always use high-quality, raw honey for the best results.
Be patient with the fermentation process – it’s worth the wait!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this fermented elderberry honey. One of our favorites is adding a few slices of lemon to the jar during fermentation. It gives the honey a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for summer. I have also used the elderberry syrup recipe for other things!

Another variation is adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This is especially great for clearing up congestion during cold and flu season. And for a more warming, comforting flavor, try adding a few cloves and a star anise to the jar.

My son loves the lemon version, while my daughter prefers the spicy version with cayenne pepper. As for me, I’m partial to the classic recipe with just cinnamon and ginger.

I truly hope you try this fermented elderberry honey recipe. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to support your immune system and enjoy the deliciousness of nature’s gifts. Don’t be intimidated by the fermentation process – it’s easier than you think! Just follow the steps, be patient, and trust your instincts. And most importantly, have fun! The best cooking comes from the heart. I hope you can feel the fermented honey benefits in your own home.It is a truly wonderful elderberry honey ferment.This fermented elderberry honey recipe can be a helpful immune boosting honey.

I wish you happy cooking!

Here’s a link to another recipe that my family loves, it is a Hot Honey Tortellini Pasta Salad

And here is a link to a nice Honey Garlic Chicken recipe

Here is more information regarding elderberry from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Elderberry

Here is more information regarding the effects of honey from The effects of honey on human health

Fermented Elderberry Honey

Print Recipe

Boost your immune system with this easy fermented elderberry honey! This delicious and naturally preserved remedy is packed with antioxidants and beneficial probiotics.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes + 1-4 weeks fermentation
Yield: Approximately 1 cup
Category: Wellness
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: N/A

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried elderberries
1 cup raw honey (local is best!)
Pinch of sea salt (optional, but helps fermentation)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Place the dried elderberries in a clean, sterilized glass jar.
Pour the raw honey over the elderberries, ensuring they are completely submerged.
Add a pinch of sea salt, if using.
Stir gently to combine.
Loosely cover the jar with a lid (do not tighten it completely, as gases will be released during fermentation).
Place the jar in a dark, cool place (like a pantry) for 1-4 weeks, stirring gently every few days to release any trapped gases.
You’ll notice bubbles forming, which indicates fermentation is happening.
Taste after one week. The honey will become thinner and more tart. Continue fermenting to your desired taste, up to four weeks.
Once fermented to your liking, store the honey in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process.

Notes

Enjoy a spoonful of this fermented elderberry honey daily, especially during cold and flu season. You can also drizzle it over yogurt, oatmeal, or add it to tea.