Oxymel: An Ancient Tradition, Grown on Our Farm
Updated: 3 days ago
Some of the simplest recipes have the longest histories, and oxymel is a beautiful example.
The word oxymel comes from the ancient Greek words oxys, meaning “acid” or “sour,” and meli, meaning “honey.” Together, they describe the two ingredients at the heart of this traditional preparation: vinegar and honey.
Oxymels have been made for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Greece, where combinations of honey and vinegar were used in traditional herbal preparations. The Greek physician Hippocrates described oxymel in his medical writings, and variations of this sweet-and-sour infusion continued to appear in herbal traditions throughout history.
Today, oxymel is finding its way back into modern kitchens, appreciated for its unique flavor, versatility, and connection to traditional food preparation.
At Zesty Fox Farm, we’ve embraced this centuries-old tradition and added something of our own: freshly harvested ginger and turmeric grown right here on our farm.
From Our Soil to Your Bottle
Our Ginger and Turmeric Oxymel begins long before the ingredients come together in a jar.
It starts in the soil at our small farm in Fellsmere, Florida, where we grow and nurture our own ginger and turmeric.
Both plants take months to develop their beautiful, aromatic roots. There’s something incredibly satisfying about finally harvesting them, brushing away the soil, and discovering the vibrant golden turmeric and fragrant ginger that have been growing beneath the surface.
One of my favorite things about farming is finding ways to preserve and share what we grow. Making oxymel allows us to take these freshly harvested ingredients and turn them into something that can be enjoyed long after harvest day.
How We Make Our Ginger & Turmeric Oxymel
We begin with freshly harvested ginger and turmeric from our farm.
After carefully washing the roots, we finely chop them, preparing the fresh ingredients for infusion.
We combine the chopped roots with local raw honey and organic apple cider vinegar, creating the traditional sweet-and-sour base of an oxymel.
Then comes the part that requires a little patience.
We allow our oxymel to infuse for weeks, giving the ginger and turmeric time to release their flavors into the honey and vinegar.
During this time, the ingredients come together, developing a beautifully balanced combination of warmth, gentle spice, earthy notes, sweetness, and savory.
It’s a simple process, but one that reflects what we love about small-scale farming: working with fresh ingredients, respecting traditional methods, and creating something special from what we’ve grown ourselves.
A Little Farm-Grown Flavor for Your Kitchen
One of the wonderful things about oxymel is how versatile it can be.
Our Ginger and Turmeric Oxymel has a bright, sweet-tart flavor with the gentle warmth of fresh ginger and the earthy character of turmeric.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
A refreshing drink: Add a splash to sparkling water with ice and a slice of lemon.
A warming cup: Stir into warm (not boiling) water for a comforting drink.
A salad dressing: Whisk with olive oil for a simple, flavorful vinaigrette.
A culinary finishing touch: Add a little to marinades, sauces, or roasted vegetables.
Rooted in Tradition, Grown with Care
For me, this oxymel is more than another product from our farm.
It represents the connection between growing food and creating something meaningful from the harvest.
From planting the first ginger and turmeric rhizomes to harvesting, preparing, and patiently infusing each batch, we’re involved in the process from beginning to end.
I love knowing exactly where our ingredients come from because we’ve watched them grow.
And I hope that when you open a bottle of our Ginger and Turmeric Oxymel, you’ll enjoy not only its wonderful flavor but also the little piece of our farm that went into making it.
Grown on our farm. Infused with patience. Shared with you.
With love from Zesty Fox Farm, Fellsmere, Florida.
Learn more and shop the Ginger and Turmeric Oxymel: https://www.zestyfoxfarm.com/product-page/ginger-and-turmeric-oxymel
Please note: This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease. Contains raw honey and is not for children under one year old.
Comments