Aronia Honey (chokeberries)
Home grown Aronia melanocarpa and raw, unfiltered honey (Nourished by Nature) look and taste beautiful together. Chokeberries are packed with antioxidants, and have drying and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is antimicrobial and may soothe dry coughs and scratchy throats.
Mix well. Use in place of plain honey.
Elderberry Syrup Maker's Jars:
You will need:
- 1 Nishek Naturals Elderberry Syrup Maker’s Jar (Classic or Spiced)
- 4 C cold water
- 1 C raw, local honey (more to increase stability) **replace with maple syrup or agave to make vegan-friendly
- A colander lined with double-layered cheese cloth or a fine sieve (you may want to use a layer of cheese cloth with the sieve, too).
Instructions:
1. Add water and entire contents of Maker’s Jar into pot. Stir to combine.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 30-40 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for one hour.
4. After steeping, strain the liquid back into the Maker’s Jar by pouring mixture through the sieve or colander/cheese cloth. Press down on solids to get as much liquid through and into the jar. Discard berries and other solids when done.
5. While mixture is still warm, add honey and stir until combined.
** It is advised that the final strained berry liquid quantity be measured and then matched 2-to-1 with honey, for optimal stability. If your final liquid is 2C (it should be close), then add 1C honey. Adjust as needed.
If kept in the fridge, this syrup will keep for at least 4 weeks. Optional: Add 2-3 Tbsp of vodka or brandy to increase stability to 2-3 months.
Adults, enjoy 1-2 tsp daily.
**Do not give products containing honey to children under 1 year of age.
Adapted from: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe
Elderberry Syrup Maker's Jars: 4 Variations to Choose From
Original
A 32 oz glass jar containing local, hand-picked, freeze dried elderberries, organic ginger root and organic cinnamon sticks - makes approximately 24 ounces of finished elderberry syrup. Instructions to create your own syrup can be found on the back of the jar, as well as in writing and via video on this page. ($30)
Spiced
Organic green cardamom and cloves, added to the Original blend. ($30)
Original + Aronia Berries
The Original blend with my locally grown Aronia melanocarpa berries, also called chokeberries (not to be confused with choke cherries). Aronia is considered to be one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants, and contain vitamin C. Anti-inflammatory and "drying" qualities (pairing well with congestion and inflamed states/concerns), as well. ($30)
Spiced + Aronia Berries
The Spiced blend with my locally grown Aronia melanocarpa berries, also called chokeberries (not to be confused with choke cherries). Aronia is considered to be one of the richest sources of plant antioxidants, and contain vitamin C. Anti-inflammatory and "drying" qualities (pairing well with congestion and inflamed states/concerns), as well. ($30)
Enjoying your elderberry syrup.
Elderberry syrup has a very pleasant flavor. It is easy for adults and kids to take right out of a spoon or medicine cup. Nishek Naturals Elderberry Syrup is thinner than a commercially prepared syrup, making it an easy and tasty addition to the following:
- Hot or unsweetened iced tea.
- Unsweetened yogurt.
- Club soda, ice and lemon.
- Berry pie filling or compote.
- Diluted lemonade, then frozen into popsicle molds for fever preparation.
Fire Cider Maker's Jar
You will need:
- 12 - 16 oz raw, apple cider vinegar
- Fill Maker's Jar with raw apple cider vinegar.
- Cover the jar opening with parchment paper. Add the metal lid and tighten the ring.
- Steep for 4 weeks in a visible spot, but out of direct sunlight.
- Gently shake or swirl the jar daily.
- After 4 weeks, strain liquid into a clean jar. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Refrigerate finished product.
BE SMART: Don't consume fire cider concentrate "straight." Add creatively to various food dishes, or dilute the finished cider with water, balance with honey, and start with very small amounts to establish tolerance.
Adapted from: https://www.cravethegood.com/traditional-fire-cider/#how-to-make-fire-cider
Tips & Tricks!
- Your product is only as good as the ingredients used. Use a good quality apple cider vinegar (ACV)!
- If you have other favorite fresh herbs or foods that you'd like to add to your fire cider (horseradish, rosemary, lemon, orange, cranberry, other hot peppers, etc.), add these before filling jar with ACV. Just press down on dried ingredient to create space!
- As dried ingredients absorb the ACV, re-open the jar and add more to increase your final product volume.
- When you strain the liquid from your final product, PRESS down on the solid parts with a gloved-hand or wooden spoon to get all the goodness out.
- When you strain the liquid from your final product, PRESS down on the solid parts with a gloved-hand or wooden spoon to get all the goodness out.
- BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE. Fire cider isn't appropriate for everyone.
