SHRUBS FAQ's
What are Shrubs?
The History of Shrubs is somewhat murky, it has been made for hundred of years in one form or another, some alcoholic, some not.
Our version of Shrub uses Live Apple Cider Vinegar. This 'ACV' Shrub has its roots in 17th century England, where vinegar was used to preserve berries and fruits, this was before the cheap availability of refined sugar and so was an essential method to preserve the summers crop for fruit flavours year round. This method, was referred to as shrubs.
It was adopted in colonial America where its popularity grew. By the 19th century, Shrub recipes typically involved pouring vinegar over fruits, commonly berries, allowing them to infuse for varying durations, ranging from overnight to several days. Subsequently, the infused fruit would be strained, and the resulting liquid would be mixed with a sweetener like sugar or honey.
Is it just for drinking?
Not at all. Supping Shrub are essentially flavoured vinegars so you can use them as you would any vinegar. Try them as the base for salad dressings and marinades. They are great splashed into a gravy or soup (the Hops & Honey is brilliant in a beef stew). Use them in desserts (Raspberry & Mint lifts an Eton mess.) The versatility of shrub drinks allows for endless experimentation in the kitchen.
How do I drink Shrubs?
We recommend a 25ml serving, poured over ice and topped up to taste with sparkling water for a refreshing and non-alcoholic beverage. It can also be filled up with hot water for a delicious and comforting cuppa (Lemon, Turmeric & Ginger is a real winner here.) The Tangy and fruity nature of Supping Shrub makes them an excellent addition to cocktails, adding complexity and depth to classic recipes.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for me?
Our Apple Cider Vinegar is considered to be a probiotic as it is unpasteurised and contains the mother. Probiotics contain live bacteria which could help with your gut microbiome and therefore your immune system.
Some potential benefits are listed below:
May help gut health
May have anti microbial and anti-fungal properties
May lower blood sugar levels
May lower cholesterol
Large scale research is limited but there are many positive indications that ACV can help contribute to well being, it has been used as a home remedy since the days of Hippocrates when the ancient Greek doctor used it to disinfect wounds and to fight colds.
Is it sugary?
We add no refined sugar to our Shrubs, rather we use Honey for its floral notes. Each 25ml serving of shrubs contains only 3g of sugar (or less) and 13 Calories. Considerably less than a morning Latte!
Is it suitable for those who are Pregnant?
There is no evidence of any potential harm from unpasteurised apple cider vinegar related to pregnancy*. As with all unpasteurised products, it's better to air on the side of caution and avoid Shrub when pregnant.
Can I have too much?
As with most things in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Everyone's body reacts differently to different foods and what suits one person doesn't always suit another.
Some people can comfortably drink several glasses of Shrubs happily while in rare cases some may feel a little bloated (as with beer or other fizzy drinks). The key thing is to listen to your own body, if it doesn't suit you, don't continue to drink it. We recommend 1 or 2 glasses per day if you are drinking it for ACV health benefits, for leisure it's up to your judgment. Drink Non-Alcoholic responsibly.
*that we can find and not listed on NHS website as a food to avoid.
Sources and further reading: