A fun project to boost immunity
The local gems of cold and flu season are currently ripening in abundance on trees and shrubs around the Monterey Bay area. The fruit of Sambucus spp., or elder tree, is used traditionally for immune nourishment and tonification, prevention and treatment of influenza viruses and soothing anti-inflammatory action. Elderberries are harvested in the late summer into fall, separated from the stems, leaves and twigs, and dried for use throughout the winter in syrups, compotes, wines and jams, and as a healthful tart addition to muffins and pastries. While harvesting one’s own berries can be a beautiful experience in itself, many apothecaries and retailers sell bulk dried berries that are perfectly convenient for home medicine-making.
The following recipe takes elderberry syrup and solidifies it into delightful gummies with a craveable chewy texture. The gummies are formed in silicone molds that can be purchased online or at a specialty baking store. Most gummy molds come with a plastic syringe for easily and evenly moving the mixture into them.
A few words of advice: These gummies incorporate sorbitol, an alcohol sugar with a gummy texture that in large amounts can have a laxative effect; one needn’t be concerned about this though unless they were to eat all 200+ gummies in one sitting. Additionally, given how they boost the immune system, elderberries are not recommended for those with severe autoimmune conditions who take immunosuppressant medications. If you or people you give these to are currently taking pharmaceuticals, check first for contraindications to ensure the treats will not have adverse effects.
RECIPE
Elderberry Gummies
RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA HUDSON
About the author
Alexandra Hudson is a California-born clinical herbalist, wild foods chef and holistic educator. She lives with her family out in the Day Valley redwoods, where she tends to her land and offers classes and sessions to clients. For more information on Hudson’s practice and classes, visit alchemistress.world.
