Winter Magic at BLeaves Farms: Handcrafted Elderberry Syrup
There’s something deeply grounding about winter on the farm. The pace slows just enough to notice the small things. The quiet mornings, the soft light, the gratitude that comes from a year of growing, tending, and harvesting. This season, we’re turning one of our favorite gifts from the land into something truly special: handcrafted elderberry syrup, made right here at BLeaves Farms.
This batch feels extra magical. The elderberries, Meyer lemons, and honey mandarins were all grown and hand‑harvested on our farm in Gilbert, Arizona, nurtured with traditional flood irrigation, a method that deeply soaks the soil, encouraging strong roots and resilient plants. It’s old‑school, intentional, and perfectly suited to desert farming.
Why Elderberry Has Been Loved for Generations
Elderberry has a long, rich history in traditional wellness practices across cultures. For centuries, people have turned to elderberries during the colder months as a comforting, nourishing syrup, especially when winter colds and seasonal stress are making the rounds.
Elderberries are naturally rich in:
- Anthocyanins (the compounds that give them their deep purple color)
- Naturally occurring antioxidants
- Plant compounds traditionally used to support seasonal wellness
We’re careful with our language here: elderberry is not a medicine, and we make no medical claims. What we can say is that elderberry has been traditionally used as a supportive, warming syrup during winter, and many people enjoy it as part of their daily wellness routine.
Why Mexican Elderberry Is Extra Special
The elderberry growing here at BLeaves Farms is Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana / Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), a variety that thrives in the Southwest.
Why we love it:
- Naturally adapted to Arizona heat and sun
- Deep, complex flavor, less bitter, more rounded
- Grows vigorously with minimal intervention
- Well suited to sustainable desert agriculture
Because this elderberry is grown in its ideal climate, it develops incredible character. We truly believe it makes a richer, more vibrant syrup than berries grown outside their natural range.
A Farm-Grown Citrus Twist
To our elderberries, we add:
- Fresh organic ginger
- Cinnamon & clove
- Meyer lemon and honey mandarin, both grown and harvested right here on the farm
The citrus adds brightness and balance, the spices bring warmth, and the ginger gives a gentle kick. It’s a syrup that tastes like winter sunshine.
Our Small‑Batch Elderberry Syrup Recipe
This is the exact recipe we’re making on the farm.
Ingredients
- 1 quart frozen fresh elderberries (about 4 cups)
- 6 cups water
- 1–2 Tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 7 to 10 whole cloves
- 1 Meyer lemon, sliced (seeds removed)
- 1 honey mandarin, sliced (seeds removed)
- Raw local wildflower honey (added after cooking)
Instructions
- Place frozen elderberries, water, ginger, spices, and citrus into a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer 45–60 minutes with the lid on or slightly cracked, gently mashing berries halfway through.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing to extract all juice.
- Return liquid to the pot and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes for a light reduction (this maximizes yield).
- Remove from heat and let cool until warm (not hot).
- Stir in raw honey to taste (about ¾ to 1 cup per 3 cups liquid).
- Bottle, refrigerate, or freeze.
How People Traditionally Use Elderberry Syrup
Again, this is not medical advice, but here’s how elderberry syrup is traditionally enjoyed:
- Daily wellness: 1 tablespoon per day
- Seasonal support: 1 tablespoon, 2 to 3 times per day
- Stir into tea, warm water, or enjoy straight by the spoonful
Because we stretch the syrup for flavor and accessibility, many people simply take a slightly larger serving.
*Not recommended for children under 1 year due to honey.
Storage
- Refrigerated: 2–3 months
- Frozen: 6–12 months (leave headspace)
This is a fresh, living food, no preservatives.
A Note on Safety & Legal Stuff (Important)
This product and recipe are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements about traditional use have not been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions.
Available While Supplies Last
We’ve made a very limited winter batch.
Pricing:
- Pint jar: $20
- Quart jar: $35
Located in Gilbert, Arizona. Text us at 480‑256‑2306 to reserve a jar.
Once it’s gone, it’s gone until the next harvest.
A Little Extra (Optional but Lovely)
If you love making syrup or herbal remedies at home, we recommend quality glass jars and a fine mesh strainer, both items we personally use on the farm.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links we share may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase. Thank you for supporting our farm.
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Thank you for supporting small farms, traditional practices, and intentional living. From our farm to your home, may this syrup bring warmth, comfort, and a little winter magic.
