FAQ

Does my product need to be refrigerated?

Yes and no. Since all our products use natural preservatives (sugar and/or vinegar), they are relatively shelf-stable. Our syrups can be kept at room temperature for two weeks and our shrubs can be kept at room temperature for one month before the quality of the product begins to decline. For best results, all of our products should be kept in a dark, cool environment, such as your fridge.
Can my shrub or syrup spoil?

Again, yes and no. We sanitize all bottles and materials prior to use and boil all syrups to kill bacteria. This ensures no mold will grow inside your product. However, anything inserted into the bottle such as a spoon or straw will introduce bacteria, so it's best to pour from the bottle and keep it refrigerated to slow the growth of any bacteria introduced after purchase.
Why can my shrub be left outside the fridge?

Vinegar acts as a preservative. Shrubs were originally invented as a way to preserve the flavor and nutritional value of crops such as fruits and vegetables before refrigeration. We suggest you do keep your shrub in the fridge, however, to ensure longevity in flavor and color.
Why apple cider vinegar? And who's this "mother" and why is she important?

While the definitive health benefits of ACV are yet to be studied extensively, it has been linked to blood sugar management, digestion, and appetite suppressment. It's antibacterial and antifungal and is packed with antioxidants. It also thins mucus, so just a tablespoon mixed with a glass of water will help your sinuses clear during a particularly sniffly allergy season. Besides all the potential health benefits, it tastes great! The "mother" is the common name for the Mycoderma aceti ("skin of the acid"), the mass of bacteria added to alcohol to convert it into acetic acid. It is produced in every vinegar, but is most commonly found in ACV. It is full of probiotics, which support digestion and may help with nutrient absorption. The mother is the most beneficial part of the vinegar and is removed in commercially sold vinegars for aesthetic purposes! We're diligent in making sure every batch of shrub we produce has the mother in it (lots of vigorous shaking) so everyone gets their daily dose of motherly love.
What is a shrub?

A shrub is a drink concentrate made with vinegar, sugar, and fruits, herbs, and/or spices. We make ours with apple cider vinegar (with the mother), but it can be made with any kind!
Why don't you use Stevia?

Stevia is a newly popular sugar alternative that is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It can be made into a liquid but is most commonly seen as single serve packets alongside Splenda anywhere you can get your coffee. Since it's so new, not many studies have been conducted on its side or long term effects, but it has been banned in Europe and India due to links to certain cancers in animal testing. It is suggested to be helpful in managing blood sugar and weight loss since it has zero calories, but consuming such a concentrated sweetener is likely to increase cravings for sweet food. Additionally, many Stevia blends contain additives like maltodextrin which harm gut bacteria and in one study, rebaudioside A inhibited the growth of beneficial gut bacteria by 83%. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033410/