If our business was a person, it would be going to kindergarten this year! That's right - Shrub Farm is FIVE YEARS OLD! We can't believe it. It feels simultaneously like a lifetime and also like no time at all has passed.
September, 2015
Apple State Vinegar + Shrub Farm was just a twinkle in our eye back when we were living on Maui. We took a fateful trip to Japan to visit Tomo's mom, who served us the most refreshing drink we had ever had! It was her homemade blueberry Shrub. We felt so good, energized, and delighted by her elixir, we knew we had to make our own.
When we returned back to our tropical home, we got right to work. Maui offers so much abundance and bounty when it comes to fresh produce and we were endlessly inspired. We started infusing all sorts of delicious fruits and flowers into apple cider vinegar - guava, passionfruit, hibiscus, and Hawaiian Chilis.
April 16, 2016
Shrub Farm had its farmers market debut - as Maui Shrub Farm! - in Pukalani at the Upcountry Farmers Market, where we met so many fellow crafters, farmers (Hale Akua, our turmeric and Hawaiian Chili farmer ; ) ), and local food lovers. We still think fondly of our years on Maui, even after we relocated to the Pacific Northwest.
November, 2016
Both our families came to visit us right after our son was born. When they left and went back to Washington, we decided to move back too, to have the support of our family.
June 10th, 2017
We debuted at the Bellingham Farmers Market with three flavors. Our family, and our business, now call Bellingham, Washington home. We're passionate about protecting this beautiful place, which is why we always source our ingredients as locally as possible. We partner with small farms both here and on Maui (we can't forget our roots, after all... and Hawaiian Chili doesn't grow in Bellingham!). Sometimes, we even pick our ingredients with our own two hands! For a while, we went by Cascade Shrub Farm, though now we're Shrub Farm!
Autumn, 2019
Our love for this special environment led us to start a second sister business, Apple State Vinegar. We wanted to share something that embodied all the best qualities of our beloved Cascadia - celebrating human and natural communities, as well as their interdependence. We wanted to give you something that is good for you and good for the planet.
Apple State Vinegar was born out of that desire. The apples for the vinegar are grown organically in Eastern Washington, which means that they're part of a regenerative agricultural practice that contributes to healthy soil and healthy waterways. We also give 1% of Apple State Vinegar and Shrub Farm sales to our nonprofit partners who work on behalf of marine life! We are a member of 1% for the planet.
February, 2021
Our colorful new labels reflect the bright flavors of each bottle. We recently launched Turmeric & Carrot Shrub, as well as continuing to bring you your old favorites! We can't wait to see what the next five years (and beyond) bring in our business and life journey! Thank you so much for your support - it's why we do what we do!
