Oxymels

The word Oxymel comes from the Latin word Oxymeli which means "acid and honey".  Our ancestors have been drinking vinegar for it's health benefits for thousands of years. Even Hippocrates prescribed vinegar and honey syrup! One of the most famous oxymels is Fire Cider, which helps with respiratory issues, relieving sinus congestion, keeping the common cold and flu at bay, and overall well being. I decided after making some Fire Cider for the shop that I would try my hand at making other types of oxymels. The first one I decided on was a blackberry thyme. It's still in the maceration process, but I can't wait to try this sweet and tangy blend.

Supplies Needed:

• Quart size mason Jar
• Plastic (Nonreactive) lid
• 2-3 Cups Blackberries
• 1 C fresh thyme
• Bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1-2 Cups Raw Local Honey

Steps:

• Chop the thyme into small pieces

• Add the thyme and blackberries to a sterilized quart mason jar

• Smash the berries and thyme together in the bottom of the jar. I used a long wooden dowel (it looks like a mini baseball bat) that I got for pressing fermented foods. If you don't have one, you may wish to smash the berries and thyme in a bowl beforehand

• Add the apple cider vinegar to the jar until about an inch below the rim, leaving headspace. Make sure that everything is completely submerged in the vinegar

• Wipe the rim of the jar and cover with a plastic, nonreactive lid (vinegar can corrode metal)

• Store in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks. Be sure to shake your oxymel daily and check to see that everything is staying submerged in the vinegar

• After 3 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and a fine-mesh strainer. Make sure to squeeze the cheesecloth containing the berries and herbs to get every last drop of goodness

• Stir the raw local honey into your blackberry thyme vinegar mixture, and cover with a nonreactive lid

You have now successfully created your first oxymel! The apple cider vinegar and honey are natural preservatives, but you can also refrigerate your oxymel if you so desire. A good rule of thumb, if it smells rotten, don't drink it! Feel free to make your own variations and let me know how they turn out. Next up for me on the experimentation board is a grapefruit sage oxymel!