Ginger Shrub

vegan · gluten free  · non GMO

Background:  Our ginger is  sourced from local farmers and domestic growers when we have outstripped their production.  Ginger needs a longer growing season than we can provide outside.  Thus indoors, in a greenhouse, it must be started. Ginger must be processed in delicate ways, and we have discovered a shaving process that allows for long term extraction. Months later, all 19 gingerols are still there. Versions of Ginger grows wild in many places including the Caribbean.   Many early shrubs in the Americas contained ginger grown in the Caribbean.  Versions of ginger shrub are found in Gujarat in India that date back to 2,000 BCE. Ginger found its way West via the spice road.  Technically it is a Chinese plant that made it to India and then to Rome in the first century AD.  The root word for Ginger comes from sanskrit word “srngaveram”. I don’t know how they got Ginger from that, but stranger things have happened.  

Health:   Since ancient times, ginger has been used as a folk medicine. It’s frequently used for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow motility symptoms, constipation, and colic. As a natural vasodilator it improves circulation of the blood and  is used as a short-term relief of pregnancy-related nausea, vomiting and vertigo. It has so many uses it is hard to list them all.  I have one friend who swears that it relieves his migraines.  

 Uses:  Ginger shrub is used in many different ways and for various reasons. Without a doubt it is our most versatile shrub.  Many cocktails that require ginger are super enhanced by this shrub.  It’s primary use in a kitchen is the spiciness it takes on as a condiment..  Ginger shrub can be added to tea, with oh so much ease.  As a water flavor it extends 1 to 16, without losing its flavor.  I think every shrub maker does a ginger shrub, few do it as a cold extraction (but we do!). In sparkling water it’s like a ginger beer, light in calories.  

We extract the flavor and juices from fruit harvested here in the Finger Lakes region whenever possible. Only the highest quality fruits are used. This helps produce the vibrant color and flavor of our small-batch shrub. There are no flavor enhancers, preservatives, or colorants. Ever! Taste the Finger Lakes Harvest difference!