FAQ — Sauvie Shrubs (2024)

WHAT IS A SHRUB?

Shrubs are drinking vinegar concentrates made by combining raw vinegar, whole macerated fruit and natural sweetener. This combination is then fermented and finally strained. The result is a tart, tangy, slightly sweet, fruit-forward concentrate that is both healthy and delicious.

WHAT MAKES SAUVIE SHRUBS UNIQUE?

Many drinking vinegars on the market are balsamic or cane vinegar based. Sauvie Shrubs only uses raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother), which has unique health benefits. We primarily use produce grown on Sauvie Island. Locally grown, seasonal produce is more nutrient dense. Each Sauvie Shrub is fermented, full of probiotics, rich in good enzymes and bacteria, acetic acid, antioxidants, potassium and vitamins.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAUVIE SHRUBS?

Shrubs are most commonly used to support gut health by aiding digestion, balancing PH, assisting in controlling weight, reducing water retention and increasing metabolism. Shrubs are also known as a remedy for indigestion (great for pregnant mamas) and as a cure for hiccups. Beyond the gut, shrubs also boast a variety of other health benefits ranging from boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, supporting and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, helping prevent UTI and kidney stones and can get rid of muscle cramps

HOW TO USE SHRUBS?

Shrubs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of delicious, beneficial ways.

  • Mix with sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer

  • Add a splash to your co*cktail for savory depth.

  • Make a distinctive salad dressing with olive oil, Sauvie Shrub and your favorite spices.

  • Use it as a marinade or finisher on meat or vegetables.

  • Perk up your desserts by drizzling over ice cream, sorbet or fruit salad.

  • Use in place of vinegar in pickled vegetable or fruit recipes.

  • Enjoy straight up! For optimal health and digestive benefits, we suggest taking a tablespoon a day.

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR INGREDIENTS? ARE THEY ORGANIC?

We are a hyper-local company- living, working and growing on Sauvie Island in rural Portland, Oregon. We source 90% of our ingredients on the Island from our land, neighboring organic farms and by foraging the bounty the island provides. We are not certified organic but do our very best to source the cleanestingredients. We believe in supporting farmers whose organic practices align with our values.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ALCOHOL AND SUGAR FREE?

All of our products (excluding our Bitters which are spirit-based) are alcohol free. We use a small amount of raw organic cane sugar and raw organic honey in our products. Most shrubs contain just 1-3 grams of sugar per serving.

DO YOUR SHRUBS HAVE THE "MOTHER" IN THEM? AND WHAT IS A VINEGAR MOTHER ANYWAYS?!

Similar to a kombucha scoby or sourdough starter, vinegar mothers form when vinegar is raw, unpasteurized/unfiltered and fermented. The mother is born of good enzymes & bacteria and where you'll find amazingly beneficial probiotics. On occasion a bit of vinegar mother may develop in your shrubs. Don't be alarmed! It’s a naturally occurring process and all part of the wonderful Shrub health benefits. While not uniquely appetizing in appearance, the mother is completely harmless. It can be strained out, used to start a bottle of vinegar, or simply ignored.

DO I NEED TO REFRIGERATE MY SHRUBS?

Because vinegar is a low pH, acidic preservative you do not need to refrigerate your shrubs. Some people may prefer to enjoy them cold, but they are shelf stable and will be fine in the pantry. It is best to avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

HOW LONG WILL A SHRUB LAST?

Shrubs are vinegar-based, which means they have a very long shelf life. We say that our shrubs are good by two years from production time. They will last longer, and it's not harmful to enjoy them after the “good by” date, but the flavors might change and the color won’t be as bright over time. Like a fine wine, our shrubs age beautifully.

WHAT IS A ZERO WASTE FOOD PRODUCT?

All of our products are zero waste. We use the leftover mash from the Shrubs and Fire Ciders to create additional delicious small batch and seasonal products like Shrub Jam, Shrub Fruit leather and Fire Cider Seasoning Salt. We have a partnership with Portland Refill Center who takes our empty bottles: removes labels, cleans, sterilizes and then returns them to us to reuse! Customers enjoy being part of our recycling program and receive a discount for returning their bottles.

WHY SAUVIE SHRUBS?

By purchasing Sauvie Shrubs you are not only supporting a small woman-owned business but also an entire community of Sauvie Island farmers and growers. We are strong advocates of building and growing community which is why we also founded and run the first ever Sauvie Island Farmers Market, where you can find our Shrubs and many other Sauvie made products. We hope to see you there soon.

How do I pause my subscription?

Simply contact hello@sauvieshrubs.com to request a pause to your next subscription. We are happy to change your next delivery date.

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FAQ — Sauvie Shrubs (2024)

FAQs

How long do vinegar shrubs last? ›

Shrubs are vinegar-based, which means they have a very long shelf life. We say that our shrubs are good by two years from production time. They will last longer, and it's not harmful to enjoy them after the “good by” date, but the flavors might change and the color won't be as bright over time.

Do shrubs need to be refrigerated? ›

(Technically, a shrub doesn't need to be refrigerated; the entire point of the vinegar and sugar is to preserve the fruit juice without refrigeration. But if you have the space in your fridge, it won't hurt the shrub.)

Can you drink shrubs when pregnant? ›

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.

What are the benefits of shrub drink? ›

Persimmon & Lavender Classic Shrub

They carry with them significant minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber. Benefits also include the prevention of liver and intestinal damage, the lowering of bad cholesterol, and the enhancement of endurance and stamina.

How many years does vinegar last? ›

All vinegar bottles will have a "best by" date printed on them, but don't get too hung up on it—since vinegar doesn't technically expire, these dates are simply a clue of when to expect peak freshness. For most situations, you can keep a bottle of vinegar on hand for two to three years without cause for concern.

Are vinegar shrubs probiotic? ›

“The beauty of shrubs is not just that they're simple to make at home, and form the basis of beautiful fruity drinks, but that the combination of live, unpasteurised fruit and the probiotic goodness of apple cider vinegar has huge benefits for your gut health.

Is it OK to plant shrubs close to house? ›

Avoid laying mulch and planting shrubs too close to your home – not just because plants will come into contact with and damage the siding, but because shrubs retain moisture. We recommend using landscaping rocks against your home and starting mulch 2-4 inches away from the home.

What do shrubs need to survive? ›

Water Newly-planted shrubs need regular water for the first 1-2 years of growth. Check soil near the root ball for moisture; apply water when it's almost dry. Mulch Place a 2-3-inch layer of mulch on soil beneath shrubs. At planting time, remove all weeds or grass in that area before applying mulch.

Can you save a dead shrub? ›

Thankfully, the answer is often yes. Whether they were damaged in a drought or a hard overnight freeze, most regional trees, shrubs and flowers can be nursed back to vitality – if you know how. When considering how to bring your shrubs back to life, it is important to determine the cause of the blight.

How much alcohol is in shrub? ›

This strawberry shrub is pretty and easy to make, and even makes for a great gift. Unlike kombucha, there is no alcohol in a shrub, so this makes a great mixer to give to anyone, whether or not they drink alcohol! This will make around 8 oz.

Can you drink shrub by itself? ›

Shrubs are mixers, which means they're an ingredient in a drink, not something you would normally drink on its own. Luckily, drinking shrubs are versatile, so they pair well with lots of other ingredients. Overall, we recommend using a 1:5 ratio of shrub to another (or several) ingredient(s).

What does shrub drink taste like? ›

If your tastebuds get excited by tart things, you'll love shrubs. Just like any good co*cktail, a shrub is a mix of sour and sweet. You could try using them in place of a sweetener in your favorite co*cktail to add not only sweetness but also create a more complex flavor profile.

Is shrub good for gut health? ›

It also helps keep your digestive system running smoothly so that you don't experience any uncomfortable digestive issues later on. Drinking a shrub before meals has also been linked to weight loss because it helps fill up your stomach without providing extra calories or fat.

How long does a shrub drink last? ›

How Long Does A Shrub Last In The Fridge? Filled and tightly sealed in a jar, shrubs last about 6 months in the refrigerator if used sparingly. With more frequent use, similar to other condiments that are kept refrigerated, shrubs last 6-8 weeks.

Are shrubs high in sugar? ›

As a mixture of fruit and alcohol, shrub is related to punch, however punches were normally served immediately after mixing the ingredients, whereas shrubs tended to have a higher concentration of flavour and sugar and could be stored for later use, much like a pre-made drink mixer.

How long does Mother of vinegar last? ›

No, vinegar doesn't expire. Whether it's a bottle of crystal-clear distilled white vinegar or cloudy apple cider vinegar with the “mother,” vinegar has a virtually indefinite shelf life thanks to its high level of acidity (above 4%).

What does vinegar do to bushes? ›

Vinegar is a contact herbicide, which means it kills the part of the plant it comes into contact with. Systemic herbicides, on the other hand, are taken up by the plant's vascular system and delivered to roots, eventually killing the whole plant instead of just its top growth.

How long does vinegar stay on a surface? ›

If you are using vinegar to kill bacteria on countertops and other surfaces, it should remain wet on the surface for at least a half hour. If you are using vinegar to tackle mineral scaling and soap scum, it may only need to sit for a few minutes.

How long will a shrub keep? ›

How Long Does A Shrub Last In The Fridge? Filled and tightly sealed in a jar, shrubs last about 6 months in the refrigerator if used sparingly. With more frequent use, similar to other condiments that are kept refrigerated, shrubs last 6-8 weeks.

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