Fermenter Spotlight: Shrub Farm
Josh and Tomo are your friendly neighborhood shrub fermenters located in Bellingham Washington. When I talked to Josh at the Bellingham Farmers Market, he was more than happy to discuss the merits and uses of shrubs, as well as let me sample the variety of flavors they produce. Being new to shrubs, I had a lot of questions.
I hadn’t seen a shrub until recently. Can you describe what they are?
Shrub is a vinegar preserve, infused with fresh fruit and herbs. At Shrub Farm we use local organic fruit and herbs; organic raw apple cider vinegar, organic cane sugar, and honey. The name Shrub is derived from the Arabic word sharab, which means “to drink”. It was popularized in the American colonial-era. Shrubs are the perfect craft soda or cocktail mixer. Mixing 1 part shrub to 10 parts still or sparkling water is the perfect refresher.
What made you choose to expand your shrub business from Hawaii to Bellingham, Washington?
We started our Shrub business (Maui Shrub Farm) when we were living in Maui. After the birth of our son Harley in 2016, we decided to move back to the northwest to be closer to family. In 2017, inspired by our Northwest roots, we began “Cascade Shrub Farm” based in Bellingham, Washington and now have combined the two branches, collectively known as Shrub Farm.
What products do your produce and what is your favorite?
We have created 7 unique flavors by working with organic fruit farmers in Washington State and Maui, Hawaii. We offer 4 oz and 16 oz size bottles. Our large bottle will make 32 – 8 oz drinks. We also have 2 different 3-pack gift boxes of our 4 oz bottles.
Favorite Drinks!
Tomo: I am allergic to alcohol, so my favorite drink is our Raspberry x Citrus Shrub simply mixed with sparkling water.
*In an 16 oz glass with ice I add Pellegrino and top it with 2 tablespoons of Shrub.
Josh:I love Moscow Mules. We developed a perfect recipe with our Ginger x Apple Shrub. No need to ever buy ginger beer again.
Mule Deer
*Start with an ice filled copper mug. Add…
1 3/4 oz Chuckanut Bay Distillery Potato Vodka
1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
1 oz Shrub Farm Ginger and Apple Shrub
*Top with sparkling water and garnish with crystallized ginger and a lime slice.
Are you working on something new?
We are always experimenting with new flavors and we have two great new flavors that will trickle out in the next year or two. We also have another project in the works. (Details coming soon). The plan for our new project is to give 6% of our net profits to charities and non-profits that support Orca whales and marine restoration.
What are all the uses for shrub?
Drinks! From sodas to cocktails, teas and lemonade. Muddle Shrub with fresh herbs and tonic water.
Food Recipes! Salad dressing, marinades, pancakes! Drizzle…on ice-cream or roasted veggies.
https://www.mauishrubfarm.com/recipes
Where do you get your ingredients from?
We work directly with farmers! We have built relationships with our farming community and support them directly. Direct support helps our farmers sustain, nurture and better protect their land and way of life.
All of our vinegar comes Organic apple farmers in Washington state. Our Raspberries and Blueberries are organically grown in Skagit Valley, WA. The Pineapples are Maui Gold and our Sage is Organic and local from Bellingham. Our Hibiscus is from an organic farm on Molokai Island in Hawaii and our Hawaiian chilies are grown organically in upcountry Maui, HI.
Organic agriculture practices contribute to healthier land and ocean ecosystem.
Check out our FAQ page for more!
https://www.mauishrubfarm.com/faq
Want to learn more about the Shrub Farm? They can be found at:
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