An Island-to-Mainland Flavor Fusion
After long months of damp, dark, dreary days, Sonoma County folks welcome the arrival of spring. It’s like a big exhale after many months of anticipating the return of light and warmth. In days gone, sweet little spring greens were harvested out of the damp ground and eaten to stimulate digestion and encourage vitality after months of heavy food and slower activity.
Megan Brady, owner of Uproot Origin L.L.C., is well versed in that traditional practice. She declares that “spring cleaning starts within.” To that end Brady has formulated a collection of elixirs and honey blends designed to promote health and enliven taste buds any time of year.
A long time Sonoma County resident, Brady has combined Sonoma County apples with tropical additions of organic Hawai’i-grown turmeric, ginger, and honey to create her products. “Sonoma County produces apples, and Hawai’i produces turmeric and ginger, so we’ve taken the best of both unique locales to create our products. They would not be possible without the harvests from each location,” explains Brady. Uproot Origin works with small organic farms and produces its products in both locations.
Enjoyed straight or as a mixer, the concentrates reach well beyond a traditional spring tonic. They’ll uplift a spritzer, a mocktail, and even a cocktail to a new level. “We serve mocktails at all types of events and people absolutely love them,” said Brady. “Of course, the elixirs can be added to cocktails as well, adding a kiss of spice and pizazz to both.”
In a way, Brady’s business model of merging the hyper-local movement with ingredients from far-off places mirrors the ancient spice trade that transformed the cuisines around the globe.
Uproot Origin’s elixirs taste simultaneously sweet, spicy, and earthy, and their color is reminiscent of a summer Lazy Susan blossom. The elixirs range in size from a 2 oz. shot to a 16 oz. concentrate containing Sonoma County apple cider vinegar mixed with Hawai’i-grown ginger, turmeric, spices, and raw honey. Not surprisingly, kids love it. Mix with plain or sparkling water or your favorite beverage or juice for a lively afterschool pick-me-up. Or swirl a spoonful of the paste into a kid’s hot chocolate for added depth and an immune boost.
“We really value our small farms in both Sonoma County and Hawai’i,” said Brady. “They make our company possible.” Customers range from independent grocers to farmers markets and [the elixirs] are sold throughout the Continental U.S. and Hawai’i, with online orders from Japan, Canada, Italy, and France.”
In these days of sugar-laden beverages, it feels good to drink something that is delicious and healthy, to boot. Even better to know that our choices are supporting small farms. Uproot Origins elixirs and honey blends will bring pep to your step this spring and into the months to come.
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Uproot Origin