Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Yogurt is a popular probiotic. Kombucha is another popular drink that helps to give you the good bacteria. Kombucha is a slightly fermented yeast with effervescence. It helps with bloating, keeping you regular and acid reflux symptoms. None of these claims are proven, but many doctors and health professionals will recommend them as a holistic, natural approach to some of these ailments.
While in Napa this past weekend, I did an olive oil tasting. I learned that you can make your own probiotic drink from their vinegars and whatever fruit you have in your fridge! It’s an inexpensive way to get your “good” bacteria as some of these drinks can range from $4-$8/per bottle.
These do it yourself drinks are called “shrubs”. I tried one at the tasting and it was yummy! Here’s what you need:
Good quality olive oil, vinegar (like basalmic) and syrup made from the vinegar. Oh, and any fruit that you have left over in the fridge that is about to go bad, or that you know you have too much of and want to use. Use your inventory!
Here is a recipe for a Strawberry Shrub:
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 lb strawberries, hulled and cut in half
1 cup Round Pond Estate Sangiovese Blend Red Wine Vinegar
1 cup Round Pond Estate Cabernet-Merlot Red Wine Vinegar
2 ½ oz ginger, peeled and chopped
10 Tbsp Round Pond Estate Meyer Lemon Citrus Syrup
2 sprigs lemon thyme
As needed carbonated water
As needed ice
2 each strawberries
4 each mint sprigs
4 tsp Round Pond Estate Blood Orange Olive Oil
Place sugar and water in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Once sugar is dissolved, add strawberries and ginger. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add vinegars and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and pour shrub mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Let mixture strain until all liquid has released. Do not force the juice through the strainer, as it will become cloudy, and do not throw out the pulp*. Chill shrub mixture.
Place Meyer Lemon Citrus Syrup, ½ cup shrub, and lemon thyme into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously so that the essence of the lemon thyme is released. Pour mixture, dividing equally into 4- 15oz glasses filled with ice. Fill up the rest of the glass with carbonated water. Garnish each glass with half of a strawberry, a mint sprig, and 1 tsp Blood Orange Olive Oil.
There you have it…..A Shrub! Visit Round Pond Estates Web Site to get some more recipes and ideas on how to use your olive oil, vinegar and syrups! Click on the link below!