Journal

In Māori mythology, kawakawa is believed to have been the only plant gifted directly from Io the supreme Māori god. Highly medicinal, kawakawa is one of Aotearoa's most precious resources and sacred offerings. 

Our healing infusion combines the earthy, evergreen flavour of kawakawa with a punch of zest —  best experienced first thing in the morning.

Packed with some major healing and anti-inflammatory properties, this tea is excellent for soothing digestion and cleansing the blood.

The idea of fermentation feels instantly fussy and time consuming, but we promise this recipe is about as simple and easy as it gets… 

King of superfoods, garlic acts as a daily defence against deeply rooted inflammatory ailments, and it is recommended that we ingest at least one clove a day, preferably in the morning, on an empty stomach. To avoid garlic-breath, we add raw honey, not only to sweeten the flavour but to further activate the benefits of garlic. The combined nutrition obtained from these two ingredients is then amplified by the natural occurrence of fermentation. 

This powerhouse tonic is your free daily medicine for supreme vitality.

Images by Harry Were

Heal and warm your system from the inside-out with this dark brew that utilises three simple ingredients from your pantry. The hero ingredient for this tea is the immune-boosting fruit Elderberry that releases a glorious deep crimson colour, packed with antioxidants and vitamins, that helps to tame inflammation in the body and boost the immune system. Straight forward and adaptable, this stovetop recipe is set to become part of your medicinal arsenal.

Bagna Cauda literally translates as a "hot bath" in which to dip vegetables. Originating from the Piedmont region of Italy, we've added cannellini beans to give this rich, creamy dip some delicious oomph.

What you eat should activate your body’s first line of defense. To care for your immune system and alleviate any run-down feelings, whip up a batch of this intensely flavoured medicinal tonic for a powerful kick of health benefits.

Influenced by Ayurveda, Jamu Jamu’s bright marigold colour is created by fresh herbal heroes such as ginger — to aid gastrointestinal & nausea issues; turmeric — a natural detoxifier; citrus — high in vitamin C to rejuvenate skin and protect from infection; and raw honey — loaded with antioxidants to fight bacterial build up.

Peel, slice and mix the ingredients to feel the euphoric warmth of this century-old Indonesian tonic.

In times like these, when you might not know what day it is, it's good to at least punctuate the evening with a special cocktail. For us, the White Russian has it all. It's simple and satisfying with its reassuring milkiness, a hint of sweet, and of course the welcome kick from vodka and Kahlua. Made extra famous by The Dude in The Big Lebowski, it's not lost on us that for many these days, dressing gowns and an eclectic mix of leisurewear is common attire. That’s just fine. There’s no dress code required for this tempting tipple.

This elixir can be traced back to ancient times, from Egypt to Spain and Mexico, where it has gained a reputation as a “drink of the gods” and “liquid gold”. There are many incarnations of horchata: the Egyptians used tigernuts (chufa), which was passed onto the Spaniards, while in Latin America you’ll find it made with rice, sometimes adding nuts and seeds, then spiced and sweetened to taste. 

Our homemade version is spiked with cacao for a medicinal punch. Mounting research continues to back-up the benefits of (good quality) dark chocolate. Mineral-rich and packed with antioxidants, clinical trials show that daily consumption protects the heart and slows the ageing process.

We eat a lot of Sriracha. And while we make and enjoy our favourite red condiment time and time again, we've also experimented and tweaked our recipe along the way. 
Now loaded with a super dose of antimicrobial garlic & capsaicin — a bio active compound that comes with a host of medicinal benefits, we consider this version worth sharing. 
Drizzle generously.

We can reinvent the standard, take out the gluten, or switch up ingredients, but the best moments in the kitchen happen when our food truly connects us with others. This series of Sans Sustenance is focused on recipes that have been passed down through generations, perhaps tweaked a little along the way, but always soaked in family history and marinated in love.

We can reinvent the standard, take out the gluten, or switch up ingredients, but the best moments in the kitchen happen when our food truly connects us with others. This series of Sans Sustenance is focused on recipes that have been passed down through generations, perhaps tweaked a little along the way, but always soaked in family history and marinated in love.

Summer afternoons crave a 'quench' and a 'zing'. Bringing together three local ingredients: lime, celery and honey, Carter Were of Were Bros shows us how to make a refreshing and natural cordial to serve guests in the heat of the day. Your kids will love it too. And, if you like, add a little gin to your own...