You could try using 1-2 teaspoons of dried ginger.

It sounds like the seal or vent wasn’t on properly and too much liquid escaped while it was coming up to pressure. You may need to start over. Most people find they have lots of liquid left after using the Instant Pot method so that’s certainly not normal.

They should last for at least a year as long as they’re not freezer burnt.

It’s just how the computer coding works on the recipe card. If something is listed in parenthesis then the recipe card doesn’t know to increase that amount too. You can manually figure out how much to increase the fresh berries if you’re doubling or tripling the recipe though.

You could try just heating the juice to a very low simmer with the spices and infusing for about 20-30 minutes with the lid on. Then strain out the spices and add the honey. Since the juice was previously heated the steam wouldn’t need to evaporate to avoid gasstrointestinal issues. If it’s much too thin for you, then you could always reduce it down some with the lid off.

Why does the amount of fresh berries not increase when you double or triple the recipe? Is that a mistake?

There are directions given for using frozen or fresh berries in this recipe. You cook them like you would the dried ones, no need to cook before making the recipe.

If you select the button to double or triple the recipe the amounts in the parenthesis stay the same. Maybe that’s what you’re seeing? Otherwise the recipe reads ? cup dried elderberries (or 1 and 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)

You would need to use an elderberry syrup recipe that’s specifically made for canning to be safe. The processing may also destroy some of the beneficial nutrients in the honey. The sugar in canning recipes acts as a preservative and the elderberry syrup won’t last as long without it. You can always freeze it though for a longer shelf life.

The link is fixed now!

Elderberry is usually considered safe for that age, but you can always consult with their healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Thanks!!