Red Root & Co.
Women-helmed Red Root & Co. marries flora and food with herbal tinctures
Fennel Blossom & Orange Peel Bitters
Photo Credit: Red Root & Co Shop
Corey MacDonald has always had a connection with the earth. As a child, she could be found frolicking in the woods or picking flowers in the garden, and as an adult she can spout of the medicinal purposes of just about anything from elderberries to dandelion root.
The founder of Red Root & Co., MacDonald crafts vinegar-based botanical infusions ranging from herbaceous to funky that can be used in the culinary world, while simultaneously boasting health benefits.
A trained herbalist, MacDonald says, "I was inspired to create herbal products that support mind and body, bringing botanical goodness to foods, beverages and herbal remedies. While studying permaculture, herbalism and sociology, I knew I wanted to craft botanical goods with great care and thoughtfulness for both the environment and social world.”
Harnessing the power of plants, MacDonald launched Red Root & Co. in 2016, the business named for the native North American plant of the same name that is known to possess medical qualities.
One of Red Root’s most popular small-batch offerings are oxymels. Described as “food as medicine in action,” the herbal tonics can be used as condiments or ingredients. Whipping up a marinade for chicken or a vinaigrette for a spring salad? Perhaps introduce Heirloom Garlic oxymel into the mix for a healthy, flavorful kick.
MacDonald says that a Red Root & Co. fan favorite is the Fresh & Fierce Fire Cider syrup. Featuring regionally grown ginger and turmeric from Virginia-based Nisani farm, along with a touch of raw local honey, just a few drops of the hot pepper-spiked supplement lends a perky boost.
“Our Fire Cider is a concentrated extract of plant nutrients ready to support the immune system, increase circulation, reduce inflammation and break-up congestion,” explains MacDonald.
Photo Credit: Red Root & Co Shop
Red Root Co. also crafts body-supporting tonics; shrubs made from fruits, herbs and spices and apple cider vinegar that can jazz up beverages from sparkling water to boozy bevies; along with bitters, perfect for balancing flavors in cocktails and being a digestive aid.
Based in Harrisonburg, MacDonald says that she connected with Ellwood Thompson’s in 2017, the partnership as natural as the medicinal qualities of ingredients found in her herbal infusions.
“Having a relationship with Ellwood’s has greatly supported our business,” says MacDonald. “We attend various markets in Richmond, and, since we don’t have a storefront, it is wonderful to be able to refer customers to shop for our goods at Ellwood’s. The team at Ellwood’s has been so supportive of our business featuring our products in certain months of the year. They have opened opportunities to educate stewards about our products, which in turn helps employees to talk with customers about our products. We first met Rick’s wife at an event in Richmond; she was quick to share his email address with us and it was a welcoming process from the beginning.”
During the 2018 Virginia Food & Beverage Expo, Red Root’s Heirloom Garlic Oxymel won Best New Food. In 2021, Red Root’s Hops and Citrus Bitters were a Good Food awards finalist.
Looking to whip up a drink? MacDonald says one of her current favorites cocktails using Red Root & Co. products is dubbed “Fresh & Fiery.” The recipe makes two drinks, so share with a friend!
- ¼ cup Red Root & Co. Fire Cider syrup
- ¼ cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Mix ingredients. Fill two glasses with ice. Divide mixture between the two glasses. Splash with lime seltzer to taste.
