Oxymels and Fermented Drinks – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

MONARDA and Blackberry Oxymel

I try to make at least one oxymel a year. I enjoy experimenting with different combinations of fruits and spices. An oxymel is an infusion of herbs into vinegar and honey (see also shrubs, kvass, kombucha, switchels and other similar fermented “sodas”/drinks ). Plants easily give up their vitamins and minerals when added to vinegar.Continue reading “MONARDA and Blackberry Oxymel”

NASTURTIUM and Pink Peppercorn Vinegar

This was another early fall project. Nasturtium is very frost sensitive. I have come across all kinds of recipes that use this plant. I love the flowers in my peach salad. The leaves can be used to make “cabbage rolls” and pesto. This vinegar might appear to be culinary but it is actually meant toContinue reading “NASTURTIUM and Pink Peppercorn Vinegar”

Orange Peel Oxymel

We consume a lot of oranges in the winter. I hate to see the peels go to waste with all their health benefits. Fresh- the peels can be candied, chopped and put into a fruit cake, added to a mulling spice mixture, simmered for potpourri or used in an oxymel. An oxymel is an infusionContinue reading “Orange Peel Oxymel”

BLACK CURRANT and Thyme Oxymel

It is always exciting to find and experiment with something new. I made three oxymels this year, each using a different type of fruit-oranges, currants, and hawthorn berries. An oxymel is an infusion of herbs into vinegar and honey (see also shrubs, kvass, kombucha, switchels and other similar fermented “sodas”/drinks ). Plants easily give upContinue reading “BLACK CURRANT and Thyme Oxymel”