Elderberry Gummies for Kids and Grown-Ups
Les Mauvaises Herbes
A fun way to work our winter syrup blend into your preventive care routine is to turn it into gummies free of refined sugar and preservatives, brimming with the power of 6 anti-infective, emollient and fortifying plants that help prevent and relieve seasonal infections.
Level
Intermediate
Preparation
1 hr 30
Contains
250 ml
Conservation
1 week in the fridge
Ingredients
- 220 ml of elderberry syrup made from our winter syrup blend, OR
- 220 ml of syrup made from organic elderberries (Sambucus nigrum)
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) of lemon juice (optional) or more syrup
- 5 ml (1 tsp) or 3 g of agar-agar powder* OR (A vegan, kosher and halal gelatin.)
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) or 20 g of organic animal gelatin powder
- small silicone molds
* Agar-agar is extracted from red algae and is available in Asian grocery stores, organic stores and some produce and specialty shops as sheets, flakes or powder. The powder dissolves easily and gives a uniform, translucent mixture.
Check the FAQ at the bottom of this page to learn more about the properties of this recipe's ingredients and its possible contraindications.
Preparation steps
Syrup preparation
❄️ Option 1: Made with our winter syrup blend
Prepare the syrup following the package instructions.
Note: the winter syrup blend is contraindicated for children under 8.
🌱 Option 2: Made with elderberries
1. Boil 1 part elderberries in 4 parts water for 15 to 20 minutes over medium-high heat, uncovered.
2. Let cool and add 1/2 part honey for taste and preservation.
Steps for making gummies with agar-agar 🧜
1. In a small pot, heat the elderberry syrup with the lemon juice (optional)* over medium heat.
2. Add the agar-agar powder and whisk to dissolve well.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high until bubbles appear.
4. Let heat for 1 minute, stirring with the whisk. Remove from heat.
5. Pour into the molds and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Steps for making gummies with animal gelatin 🐷
1. In a small bowl, whisk the gelatin with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of elderberry syrup.
2. Let sit 5 minutes; the gelatin will thicken and set. It's said to “bloom.”
3. In a small pot, heat the rest of the syrup with the lemon juice (optional)* over low heat (do not bring to a boil!).
4. Add the gelatin mixture and stir until it dissolves and the whole mixture is liquid. Remove from heat.
5. Pour into the molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
* We like adding lemon juice to get the tangy flavor of gummies that everyone loves! This ingredient is optional, but besides adding flavor, its acidity extends the shelf life a tiny bit. You could also use apple cider vinegar or an aromatic vinegar (like four thieves vinegar) instead of lemon juice.
Tip: it's easier to fill silicone molds with a spoon than to pour the mixture directly from the pot. If you prefer, you can simply pour your mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and cut it into little cubes once the mixture is well set.
How to use it
❄️ Gummies made with the winter syrup blend | Recommended dosage
- children 8 to 12 years: 10 ml (2 tsp), once a day
- 12 years and over: 15 ml (1 tbsp), 1 to 3 times a day
🌱 Gummies made with elderberry syrup | Recommended dosage
- children 2 to 6 years: 5 ml (1 tsp), once a day
- children 6 to 12 years: 10 ml (2 tsp), once a day
- 12 years and over: 15 ml (1 tbsp), 1 to 3 times a day
If your molds are too big, don't hesitate to cut your gummies to fit the recommended dosage!
Storage
One week in the fridge, in an airtight container (after which they'll dry out). Put a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer of gummies to keep them from sticking together.
Psst! A similar recipe is also in our book À fleur de pots (French only)!
