Blackberry Shrub
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Blackberry Shrub Tips
What is a shrub in cooking?
A shrub is a non-alcoholic mixture consisting of sugar syrup, fruit(s) or fruit juice(s), aromatics, and vinegar. Alcohol, soda or carbonated water are added to shrubs to make unique cocktails or refreshing drinks.Are vinegar shrubs healthy?
Vinegar shrubs are healthy for a variety of reasons, among them: aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar, protecting the heart and balancing pH levels in your body. Have you heard of the benefits of apple cider vinegar?How long does homemade shrub last?
With origins based in preserving fruit, shrubs can last a long time! Kept in small bottles or jars with lids, shrubs will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.What other flavor variations can I try?
Cherry-Lime Shrub Recipe: Substitute fresh pitted dark cherries for blackberries and 1 strip lime peel for cinnamon stick.Peach-Rosemary Shrub Recipe: Substitute chopped peeled fresh peaches for blackberries and a 2-in. sprig of rosemary for the cinnamon stick.
Blueberry-Lemon Shrub Recipe: Substitute fresh blueberries for blackberries and a 1 strip lemon peel for the cinnamon stick.
Strawberry-Basil Shrub Recipe: Substitute chopped fresh strawberries for blackberries and 4 large basil leaves for the cinnamon stick.
Research contributed by Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
