Every once in a while, I come across a recipe that lights up my imagination.
When at the International Herb Symposium 2 years ago, I had the pleasure of tasting one of my friend Susan Belsinger's delicious concoctions. A few herbgals were having a visit prior to heading over the the 'herbalists ball' on the Saturday evening. Susan, always so generous and eager to share her ideas, brought out a little amber jar and some cups. With a twinkle in her eye, she poured a little into each cup, and well.. my love affair with her 'Habanero Shrub' * was born.
Rhubarb is another favourite. Combinations abound. I will share some of my other besties soon but back to the story!
Habaneros are among the hottest of commercially grown chili peppers. They contain over 300% more vitamin C than an orange. They are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and iron and a good source of A and B vitamins.
Capsaicin (found in all hot peppers like cayenne, habanero etc.) acts an anti-inflammatory agent within the body, and can help treat the symptoms of inflammation-based conditions like arthritis and headaches. Capsaicin stimulates blood flow through the body, which can also help relieve the congestion associated with the common cold and sinus infections. Research indicates that these hot peppers possibly have an anti-ulcer protective effect on stomachs infected with H. pylori. Known for supporting the cardiovascular system, members of this family of plants are excellent heart tonics. Bring on the cold weather! I am ready!
The Habanero Shrub is SPECIAL!
I am thrilled with how it tastes. I am a wimp when it comes to HOT stuff...and so am so happy that, despite the kick of this potion (knock your socks off BLAST), I do enjoy it. I love watching others try it ~ I love watching the look on their face, if the truth be told. It's got a kick, for sure but the heat feels good. It is also a powerful winter remedy! I have bottled it but I've also put some into a 50ml cobalt blue bottle with dropper for quick access, on the run.
Shrubs make great gifts. This one is very popular!
HABANERO SHRUB RECIPE:
¼ cup of ripe blemish-free Habanero peppers
1 cup apple cider vinegar
Less than 1 cup raw honey (local when possible)
Cut slits in the Habaneros (Suggest wearing rubber gloves for this delicate job!)
Put the chiles in a sterilized pint-size jar and pour in the vinegar.
Cover tightly. Place the jar in the fridge for a week or more.
I left this jar infusing for 2 months
Strain out the chiles.^
Measure the Habanero vinegar.
Add an equal amount of honey.
Label + store in a sterilized jar, in a cool place, away from children.
^authors suggestion: Cover these remaining chiles with more vinegar or cook up into a whiz-bang hot sauce!
Here's to your health! Please leave a comment ~ Have you made any SHRUBS?
What do YOU make with Habaneros? Please leave a comment!
xo Carol
*The habanero shrub recipe is from the creative herbal home
by susan belsinger and tina marie wilcox, ©2007.
It's filled with super ideas and easy herbal projects with a wide range of topics!
Available: www.susanbelsinger.com or www.tinamariewilcox.com.
Check out my eBook "Cold + Flu Season ~ Are YOU ready?
For more info re how to create your own herbal medicine winter remedies collection!
Have a peek here.
Dave C
I just made my second batch. I use it in a bourbon cocktail. I stir up 2 oz. bourbon and 3/4 oz. shrub with ice, stain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube and top up with ginger ale or better yet ginger beer. It's a spicy drink with a little heat. Substitute a peaty scotch to add a smokey note.
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Carol Little
You are most welcome!!Sounds tasty! (i am not a scotch or bourbon fan -- sadly!)
Paul B
Now I have made two shrubs. A blackberry, which made fine cocktails, and a hot pepper shrub, which I gave some to a neighbor with cancer and some to a buddy who stated it is the worlds best hangover remedy.
Blackberry Dandy
In a tall glass
2 shots of blackberry shrub
1 shot vodka
3 leaves basil, muddled
ice
Club soda to fill
sprig of basil on top to garnish
Pepper shrub shot
Rocks glass
1 shot pepper shrub
ice
top with club soda or tomato juice
Carol Little
Thanks for sharing. I need to post some more experiments.. Thanks for the reminder.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
My husband would love this!
carollittle
LMK what you think. I hope you make it. people LOVE this -- Clamouring for it to be made again..kinda love!
Enjoy!
Naomi
I was thinking the same thing - I think my husband is going to get some of this for Christmas.
carollittle
I bet he will love it! Let me know how it turns out!
BillScott
Thanks for the recipe. Mine's been sitting in the fridge for two months now waiting to go into Margaritas. I didn't have honey so I used raw sugar and added a bit of white wine along with the vinegar.I didn't actually sterilize the Jar, but it was clean. It doesn't seem to be a very hospital environment to bacteria. Any idea of how long it would keep in the fridge?
Carol Little
Hello there. You are most welcome. I've never made it with sugar so I can't comment re how long it would last in the fridge. Mine never lasts very long as I make a batch and use it and give away or sell, within a short month or two.
fred
Thank you so much for the info! I have been using hot peppers all year and drying them since i found out the healing power of them, i never thought of jaring them and adding honey is heaven. Thanks again!
Jim (Papa) Bear
I raise Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Fatali, Maruga Scorpion, plus a few others. I dry the peppers and extract the oil from them. Which ends up extremely hot. I juice the peppers and make a hot apple jelly. I am always looking for new ideas to use my peppers, so thanks for yours, I will try it and let you know. Thanks again. If you would like to see what I do, you can go to (papa bears peppers) on face book and check it out. Have a good night.
carollittle
Thanks so much for sharing. I will look forward to hearing how it turns out.. Would love your hot apple jelly recipe!
Good wishes, Carol
Lydia
What would you use this for? How would you use it? and what is a Shrub? Is it kind of like a salve, or a honey to use in a tea or drink?
Jeff
I am researching Habanero Shrub because it is listed in a killer drink I found at a bar. Gin, Cucumber, Jalopeno, Habanero Shrub, lemon and Cava. Yes. It is one of the best I have had. A bit sweet and spicey. Yum.
ANNETTE
dO YOU THINK i COULD USE THIS RECIPE WITH HABERNEROS THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE FREEZER?
carollittle
HI Annette. I have no experience with using frozen habaneros. Why not give a small batch a try?
Let me know what happens!
lisa raleigh
ok...so what do you do with the vinegar-honey mixture once it's made???