Plant Journeys: December 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Quickie! (an Easy Oxymel Recipe)

A blog post especially for Poppy Swappers!

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Rushing at the last second? I won't even keep you with long-winded writing. My kids and I whipped up this beautiful, delicious, and easy oxymel yesterday for neighbors and friends ..... you can too! It took us less than an hour.

{An oxymel is an herbal preparation using a combination of vinegar and honey as the menstruum. It's delicious and very useful, as well as being a very forgiving recipe to make - anyone can make an oxymel (also known as "shrub" by some) at home}

Here's what to grab at the store:

1 case (one dozen) 8oz food grade sauce jars or canning jars
2 bottles of Apple Cider Vinegar, 32 ounces each (a total of 64 ounces)
32oz (4 cups) by volume of Honey
One large-ish chunk of ginger, enough for about 2 slices per jar (total of 24 slices)
One lemon (we used an in season Meyer lemon - yum!)

You will need dried (or frozen if you gather) elderberries, about half a cup's worth (maybe less). If you don't have some at home, see if your health food store has them in their bulk herb section. If you're stuck and cannot find them, don't fret - use little frozen blueberries or dried cherries! Oxymels are super-versatile - and for skeptical neighbors, they'll be healthy without even knowing why ;)

TO MAKE:

Add to each bottle/jar:

3 tsp berries
one slice lemon
two slices ginger

Mix the honey and vinegar together in a large container, and after thoroughly combined, pour it into each bottle, giving some head room at the top for a little swelling action from the herbs.

Label and give! Your recipient can opt to wait until it gets stronger and use it in a couple weeks, but with the fresh ingredients there will be a lovely taste after just one day.

Q: "What the heck is this for?" (Likely the very words from my neighbors lips when they get this)

A: "It's excellent for curing heartburn; take a little spoonful before and after your meal. It's also delicious on salads, and is a wondrous cough and cold remedy; sip a tablespoon in a cup of hot water! Feel free to strain out the herbs if you wish. Happy Holidays!"