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 co*cktail shrubs 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.

Do shrubs need to be refrigerated? ›

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.

Can you drink shrubs when pregnant? ›

YES! We started ELEMENT [SHRUB]® when my wife was pregnant, so we wanted to make sure they were safe not only for her but for every other mom looking for a complex drink made with real ingredients.

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.

Why is my new shrub dying? ›

Water problems: Both too much and too little water can stress a shrub out and cause it to turn brown. Fertilizer overload: Pouring too much fertilizer into plant beds can essentially burn your shrubs by increasing salt levels in the soil.

Can you drink shrub by itself? ›

Once the Shrub is created, many can drink it on its own, top it with a seltzer, use as a marinade, or combine in a co*cktail! Of course you are not limited to just fruits. Some other common ingredients paired with shrubs are herbs, vegetables and nuts.

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.

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.

What alcohol to mix with shrub? ›

There are a lot of ways to go with a shrub co*cktail. Blackberry shrub, tequila, and lime is excellent. Raspberry shrub and vodka is great on its own, but excellent with a splash of lemon.

Is a shrub like kombucha? ›

What is the difference between a shrub and kombucha? In a nutshell, shrubs are fruity concoctions of fruit, sugar, and vinegar without the fermentation process, while kombucha is a fermented tea drink enriched with probiotics, thanks to the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

What is the difference between a shrub and a tonic? ›

One of the most common questions we get are relate to how to use shrub and what the difference is between our shrubs and tonics. Our tonics are simply fruit shrubs made with no organic large crystal cane sugar and a little more ACV. They are aged, but only for a month or so.

Do shrubs have a lifespan? ›

Typically, a shrub can live a healthy life of 10 to 15 years. Your shrub may exist beyond that time frame—possibly even for decades—but once it crosses 15 years, the health and aesthetic of the shrub will decline.

What is the lifespan of a herb shrub? ›

Herbs are small plants with soft stems. Their stems are delicate and tender. These plants are short. Their lifespan is very short, which means they can survive for 1 or 2 seasons only.

What is the most durable shrub? ›

If you are looking for a tough, resilient plant, azalea is an ideal choice. A dense, rounded evergreen shrub that is easy to care for, azalea performs well as a hedge, in borders and as edging, in containers and as a specimen plant.

Can you save a dying 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.

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