Can Elderberry Syrup Expire?

Elderberry syrup is an effective remedy for alleviating cold and flu symptoms, managing allergies, and reducing the impact of inflammation. As such, many of us find it useful to have at least one bottle of elderberry syrup close to hand at any given time. However, if you’ve never used this natural remedy before, you may be wondering how long it can be safely stored before turning bad. 

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How to Store Elderberry Syrup

Can elderberry syrup expire? The simple answer is yes, although how you store it will have a huge impact on its longevity. Because elderberry syrup is essentially a fruit juice, its natural compounds will begin to ferment if left out at room temperature for long. Ideally, elderberry syrup should be kept in an airtight container, preferably glass, and stored away in the refrigerator when not in use. Our elderberry syrup is good to use for up to three months when stored in this manner. 

Many elderberry syrup products include natural honey as an additional ingredient. Although honey can be used as a preservative, it will become diluted once mixed with elderberry juice and succumbs to the same fermentation process as the fruit itself. 

In most cases, honey is added to elderberry syrup to improve the flavor and add a subtle sweetness to it. Furthermore, natural honey is rich in things like antioxidants and can help suppress cold and flu symptoms, making it a good complement to elderberry. 

If you’re using an elderberry syrup that has been infused with natural honey, make sure you shake the bottle well before use. This will stir up any honey that has settled at the bottom of the bottle. 

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Elderberry Syrup

If you’re using elderberry syrup as a remedy for a short-term illness or ailment, chances are you probably won’t consume the whole bottle before your symptoms clear up. Rather than have your elderberry syrup go to waste, you can turn to home freezing to make it last longer. Simply decant your syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze the liquid. Once your cubes are fully frozen, place them into a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer. Should you require elderberry syrup in the future, simply take a few ice cubes out of the freezer and defrost them so you can consume them in liquid form.

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