Elderberry syrup is a popular natural remedy often used to help support immune health. It’s made from the berries of the elderberry bush, which contain antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. However, like any food product, elderberry syrup can go bad after a while. Here are some signs that indicate your elderberry syrup may have spoiled and tips on how to store it properly.
Check the expiration or best-by date
Always check the expiration or best-by date on the elderberry syrup bottle. Manufacturers determine these dates by testing the shelf life of products under various conditions. An expiration date tells you the last day a product is safe to consume. A best-by date indicates when the flavor and quality of the syrup starts to go down but it may still be safe to consume for a short time after.
If your elderberry syrup is past the expiration date, it’s best to throw it out. If it’s within a few months past the best-by date, inspect the syrup closely using the signs below before consuming.
Look for changes in consistency and texture
Fresh elderberry syrup has a thick, gloopy consistency and coats the back of a spoon. Over time, elderberry syrup can start to thin out, become more watery, and lose its viscosity. An excessively runny texture that no longer clings to a spoon is a red flag that the syrup has spoiled.
You should also look out for the formation of mold, fuzz, sliminess, or other textural changes. Elderberry syrup should pour smoothly and have a uniform texture throughout. Any slimy bits, film formation, or layered separation can be signs of spoilage.
Smell the elderberry syrup
Give the elderberry syrup a good sniff. It should have a pleasantly fruity smell from the elderberry juice. A very strong or very weak aroma can both be causes for concern.
An unusually strong medicinal or fermented smell may mean the syrup has become too old. On the flip side, if the syrup no longer has much smell at all or smells “off,” that’s a red flag too.
Check for changes in color
When freshly opened, elderberry syrup is a rich, deep purple color. Over time, elderberry syrup may start to brown and fade to a dull olive color. This oxidation is a sign that the beneficial antioxidants have broken down.
You may also see darker speckles form or the syrup separate into colored layers rather than maintain an even, uniform color. These color changes signal that the syrup is past its prime.
Taste the elderberry syrup
Finally, you can do a taste test if the syrup passes the visual examinations. Elderberry syrup that’s gone bad will taste different than its usual rich, tart flavor. Common taste changes include:
- Bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
- Very weak flavor, as if all the juice has evaporated
- Chemical or fermented taste
- Moldy or musty flavors
If you notice any off tastes when sampling the syrup, it’s safest to discard the batch.
How to properly store elderberry syrup
To get the longest shelf life out of your elderberry syrup, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
- Keep elderberry syrup in the refrigerator after opening. The cold temperature helps slow spoilage.
- Store in an airtight, sealed container to prevent oxygen exposure. Glass jars or bottles work best.
- Keep elderberry syrup away from sunlight, such as in a dark pantry before opening.
- Don’t store elderberry syrup at room temperature or in hot places like a hot car.
- When refrigerated, elderberry syrup can last opened for up to 3-6 months past the best-by date.
- Freeze extra elderberry syrup in ice cube trays or muffin tins for longer storage.
- Frozen elderberry syrup may last 6-12 months in airtight containers.
Properly stored, unopened elderberry syrup may last 2-3 years past the expiration date in a cool, dark place. However, it’s best consumed within 6-12 months of purchase for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can you restore spoiled elderberry syrup?
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse elderberry syrup that has truly spoiled. The bacteria and mold that cause food safety issues are not something you want to consume. However, if the syrup has only degraded a bit in quality, but is still safe, you may be able to prolong its shelf life.
Try these tricks to salvage elderberry syrup that is past its prime:
- Simmer the syrup for 5-10 minutes to kill any bacteria growth.
- Stir in lemon juice to inhibit mold and yeast growth.
- Blend or strain out any slimy bits or film that have formed.
- Add a bit of pure honey or sugar to mask oxidized flavors.
- Store revived syrup in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks.
However, if the syrup tastes or smells unpleasant, shows separation, changes color dramatically, or appears unsafe, it’s best to discard.
Signs of spoilage
Here is a quick summary of the most common signs that your elderberry syrup has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Mold, fuzz, or slimy texture
- Thinned out, watery consistency
- Layered or separated liquid
- Faded, dull brown color
- Strong medicinal smell
- Very weak aroma
- Bitter, sour, or chemical taste
- Past expiration date
Tips for safety
To enjoy your elderberry syrup safely:
- Discard syrup past expiration or if signs of spoilage.
- Store opened syrup in the refrigerator.
- Keep unopened syrup in a cool, dark place.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Use clean utensils each time handling.
- Do not try to salvage syrup that is truly spoiled.
- Err on the side of caution if uncertain.
Conclusion
Checking for changes in expiration date, appearance, aroma, texture, and taste can help you determine if your elderberry syrup has gone bad. Discard any syrup that shows signs of spoilage. Proper refrigerated storage and freezing extends the shelf life of unopened and opened bottles. When stored and handled properly, elderberry syrup can maintain quality and safety for many months past the best-by date.
| Signs of Fresh Elderberry Syrup | Signs of Spoiled Elderberry Syrup |
|---|---|
| Uniform, thick texture | Watery, thin, or slimy texture |
| Rich, deep purple color | Faded, brown or layered color |
| Pleasant fruity smell | Medicinal, fermented, or very weak smell |
| Tart, fruity flavor | Unpleasant, bitter, sour, or chemical taste |
| Within expiration or best-by date | Past expiration date |
Being able to identify signs of spoilage allows you to discard elderberry syrup that may be unsafe. With proper storage techniques, you can optimize freshness and get the most from each bottle of syrup.
Elderberry syrup has many potential health benefits when consumed fresh. The antioxidants and vitamin C content can help support immune function during cold and flu season. Research also shows elderberry may have antiviral properties against cold and flu viruses.
For adults, the standard dosage is 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) daily. Elderberry syrup can be swallowed straight from the spoon or mixed into water, tea, or other beverages and foods. For children, reduce the dosage based on their age and weight.
However, always talk to your healthcare provider before giving elderberry syrup or any supplement to kids. Elderberry may interact with certain medications or health conditions.
Homemade elderberry syrup only keeps for a couple months, even when refrigerated. Commercially prepared, bottled elderberry syrups have a longer shelf life of 1-2 years thanks to the use of preservatives.
No matter which syrup you choose, follow the storage guidelines and check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Properly stored elderberry syrup can safely maintain its vitamin and antioxidant content for many months past the best-by date.
With its pleasant berry flavor, elderberry syrup is easy to take daily right off the spoon. It can also be incorporated into all kinds of snacks and recipes, such as:
- Mixed into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies
- Swirled into pancake or waffle batter
- Drizzled over fruit, granola, or toast
- Added to muffin, bread, or cake batter
- Mixed into tea, lemonade, or cocktails
- Added to vinaigrettes and salad dressings
Get creative with how you use your elderberry syrup before it expires. Even a couple tablespoons mixed into your favorite recipes gives you an antioxidant and immunity boost.
Elderberry syrup is generally considered safe when consumed according to package directions. However, it may interact with certain medications, so consult your doctor before taking it.
Discontinue use if any side effects occur, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and ask their doctor before use.
For elderberry syrup kids, reduce dosage based on weight and age. Do not give to children under 1 year old. Always talk to a pediatrician before giving any supplement to children.
In most healthy adults and children over 12 months, elderberry syrup is considered safe when used short-term. Just be sure to check expiration, properly store opened bottles, and watch for any signs of spoilage.
With its high antioxidant content and tasty flavor, elderberry syrup is a shelf-stable way to benefit from elderberries’ nutrients. Follow the storage tips in this article to optimize freshness and safety.
Discard any elderberry syrup that shows signs of spoilage like changes in smell, taste, texture, or appearance. With regular refrigeration and freezing, elderberry syrup can maintain quality and potency for many months past its best-by date.
Checking your elderberry syrup before use allows you to catch any safety issues before consumption. Trust your senses, and if in doubt, throw it out. With proper handling, elderberry syrup can be safely enjoyed long past the expiration date.
