HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The popular Made in Hawaii Festival is going down this weekend at the Hawaii Convention Center. This week we're featuring some of the vendors that you can go check out, including the Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Company. Poni Askew, the co-owner and co-founder, joined Wake Up 2Day on Tuesday morning with a preview.
"Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Company was born out of a passion for sustainability and a love for bold, unique flavors," Askew said. "Our mission is to reduce local food waste and increase Hawaii's food self-sufficiency by rescuing farmers' off-grade and seasonally fresh products that might otherwise go unused. We take these incredible ingredients and turn them into world-class tropical vinegar and vinegar products."
Askew said the Shrubs she sells are very versatile.
"Certainly! Shrubs, also known as drinking vinegar, are a type of syrup made from a blend of fresh fruits, sugar, and vinegar. The vinegar gives them a unique tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit. Shrubs are incredibly versatile – they can be used to craft refreshing cocktails and mocktails (which I will share in a demo shortly), add a zing to sodas and iced teas, or even be incorporated into marinades, dressings, and sauces. They're also packed with health benefits. The vinegar in shrubs can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates, which prevents those energy spikes and crashes. It's also great for digestion; the acidity helps break down food more efficiently and improves nutrient absorption. And for those looking to manage their weight, having a shrub before meals can make you feel fuller faster, reducing the temptation to overeat. So, not only are you enjoying a flavorful drink or dish, but you're also doing something good for your body,"
They're offering special deals for the Made in Hawaii Festival.
"When you buy any of our 3-Pack Shrub Kits, you'll receive a free bottle of our Herb Garden Shrub, which is a customer favorite. And if you decide to purchase all three sets, we're throwing in a bonus recipe booklet to inspire you with ways to use our shrubs in both drinks and dishes. It's our way of saying mahalo for supporting us and encouraging people to get creative with their culinary experiments," Askew said.
They'll be located in the DBEDT section of the festival, which takes place Aug. 23 to 25 at the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Halls I, II & III. It runs Friday from 10 am until 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you can't catch them at MIHF there are other ways to get in touch.
"To learn more about Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Company, visit our website. We also invite everyone to follow us on social media – you can find us at @hawaiianvinegar on Facebook and Instagram. And, of course, we'd love to have you visit our shop in Wahiawa, where you can taste our products and see what we're all about firsthand. We're open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m."