Made from 100% natural coconut vinegar infused with fresh simple ingredients, carefully handcrafted, and curiously tasty.
WHAT IS DRINKING VINEGAR?
Drinking vinegar is an ancient Japanese practice that dates back to feudal times, when samurai warriors carried vinegar mixed with water into battle as a tonic to fight fatigue. In present-day Japan, it is a practice that is enjoyed by nearly 70% of the population. Japanese drinking vinegars are entirely different from cooking vinegars. They contain half the acidity and are flavored with fruit. When diluted with ice and soda water, tea, or juice, the result is a crisp, refreshing drink!
A JAPANESE ORIGINAL!
Genki-Su is handcrafted from coconut vinegar, flavored with an infusion of fresh fruit and natural ingredients. Our recipe is based on co-founder Takako Shinjo’s family recipe from Okinawa, Japan. Genki-Su is available in three bright, brilliant flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), and Ginger-Honey.
- Made from premium quality 100% natural coconut vinegar
- Flavored with an infusion of fresh fruit and rare ingredients such as Shiso (Japanese basil), and Yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit)
- Naturally sweetened with honey and stevia (no added sugar!)
- Only five simple ingredients
- No artificial flavors
- Packed with all natural nutrients
WHY DRINK VINEGAR?
The benefits of vinegar were first discovered in China and Japan thousands of years ago. In the west, scientific evidence was discovered by Dr. Adolf Krebs, who won a Nobel Prize in 1953 for his discovery of the Citric Acid Cycle:
- Weight Loss: Research shows that consuming vinegar may prevent weight gain. Daily vinegar consumption result in 10% less body fat accumulation. It is believed that acetic acid turns on genes that produce proteins that help the body break down fats. Such an action helps prevent fat buildup in the body, and thwarts weight gain. (WebMD)
- Decreases Fatigue and Muscles Pain: Athletes are commonly given pickle juice to relieve muscle cramps. When pickle juice (which is made from vinegar) is consumed, it is converted into citric acid, which absorbs and eliminates the buildup of lactic acid causing cramping in muscles. Lactic acid accumulates in the body after strenuous exercises causing tiredness, fatigue, stiff muscles, aches and pains, and eventually cramping. (Wikipedia)
- Lowers Glycemic Index: Vinegar helps to balance blood glucose levels by lowering the glycemic index of a meal by 30 points. The higher a food or beverage's glycemic index, the larger and more rapid the body's insulin response. Insulin can cause the body to store calories as fat. The lower the glycemic index and insulin response, the less likely the calories will be stored as fat. This is particularly helpful for people who are sensitive to carbohydrates and tend to release excess insulin. (livestrong.com)
- Reduces High Blood Pressure: Recent studies have found that vinegar could act as an antihypertensive. Researchers believe its effect on blood pressure is linked to a reduction in renin activity. Renin is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. When renin levels are high, you tend to experience an increase in blood pressure. (livestrong.com)
- Help balance pH and promotes healthy functioning of the body’s vital organs by preventing your body from becoming excessively alkaline. (livestrong.com)
GENKI-SU
The name Genki-Su comes from two Japanese words: Genki (meaning energetic) and Su (meaning vinegar). At Genki-Su, we believe that life should be enjoyed with passion and vitality. It is in practicing this belief that we have created this amazing and unique product to share with you. We are excited to be helping others in discovering the therapeutic benefits of Genki-Su, and look forward to sharing its delightful goodness with you!
TAKAKO'S (CO-FOUNDER) STORY
As a child growing up in Okinawa, Japan, Takako drank vinegar every day. It was a habit for her, and she found herself craving it if she didn't get her fix every day. Her mother would create different flavors of drinking vinegar in her own kitchen, using fresh fruits and other natural ingredients right from her own garden. After moving to the United States, however, Takako found few options for drinking vinegar, and was soon making her own. She began sharing her vinegar with friends and received very positive feedback. In time, she was encouraged to create her own line of drinking vinegar. Today, we are proud to present Genki-Su, a refreshingly unique drinking vinegar that is healthy yet flavorful, smooth and delicious!
HOW SHOULD I DRINK GENKI-SU?
Dilute one part of Genki-Su and 8 parts sparkling water, tea, fresh juice, smoothie, or yogurt. You may also wish to try Genki-Su as a cocktail mixer or pairing it with beer to create “sour beer”. Genki-Su comes as a concentrate, so each 12-oz bottle makes 24 servings. (Recipes will be available on the Genki-Su website soon!)
OUR PROMISE
At Genki-Su, we believe that nature is impossible to surpass. That is why we are committed to using 100% all-natural and organic ingredients whenever possible. Genki-Su will never contain artificial flavors, extracts or preservatives of any kind. Nor will we ever use artificial chemical stabilizers or low-quality ingredients in our products, and we will never sacrifice quality or taste for the sake of price. When you drink Genki-Su, you will be enjoying all-natural, premium-quality flavors and ingredients, just as nature created them.
WHY KICKSTARTER?
Join our quest to introduce drinking vinegar to America! After 6 months of fine-tuning our recipes, taste-testing our product and preparing for bottling and distribution, Genki-Su is now ready for production. We are proud to introduce our first three flavors, and several more are in development. We have all the necessary permits, licenses and insurance coverage required to begin processing, and have signed contracts for production, bottling, and cold storage facilities.
The goal of our Kickstarter project is to fund the first production of Genki-Su drinking vinegar. Our initial run will include 500 bottles of each of our three flavors: Shiso (Japanese basil), Yuzu-Citron, and Honey-Ginger. We will produce and bottle the product here in Portland, Oregon.
Here is what your contribution will go towards:
- Purchasing all ingredients
- Facility rental to produce and store the product
- Bottling costs
- Distribution of the product
REWARDS
$32 MINI SET: Three 5 oz. bottles (10 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey. Please add $7 for Shipping.
$55 KICKSTARTER STARTER PACKAGE: Three 5 oz. bottles (10 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey. PLUS one 12 oz. bottle of limited edition KICKSTARTER flavor (24 servings per bottle).
$65 LARGE SET: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey.
$90 LARGE SET + TSHIRT: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey. PLUS an awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us).
$90 LARGE SET + RECIPE BOOK: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey. PLUS an exclusive recipe book of how you can use Genki-Su creatively!
$135 SUPER KICKSTARTER PACKAGE: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate + LIMITED EDITION KICKSTARTER flavor (12 oz. bottle, 24 servings) + Recipe Book + one awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us).
$185 SUPER SUPPORTER PACKAGE: Three 12 oz bottles of Genki-Su concentrate (24 servings per bottle) delivered to your door every month for 3 months! Each month, you will get one of each flavor: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese basil), & Ginger-Honey.
$225 HOST A PARTY: Enough vinegar to share among your friends & family! Nine 12 oz. bottles of Genki-Su concentrate (24 servings per bottle) + Recipe Book + one awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us).
STRETCH GOAL
12,000 :: NEW FLAVOR :: Nashi (Japanese Pear)
Raise your pledged amount by $25(as an add on) and we will send you our new flavor: Nashi (Japanese Pear) large bottle(12 oz, 24 servings). This is your opportunity to be the FIRST to taste this new limited edition flavor or share it with your friends for the holidays!
Pears are in season! Gotta do what we do best! Take advantage of the freshness nature provided us! Our new flavor will be made with 100% natural coconut vinegar, infused with a blend of fresh Nashi(Japanese pear), Bartlett pear, Anjou pear, and Fuij apple! After thorough recipe-testing, we can't wait to blow you away with this new Nashi Pear flavor!
NOTE: Shipping anywhere in North America is included with Add-ons. International backers should add $15 for shipping. If you would like more than one Add-on shipped internationally, please contact me for an exact shipping quote. Thanks!
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THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS for checking out our project! We appreciate your support! Kanpai(Cheers)!
If you are unable to back us, please help us by spreading the love and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Video: Caffelli & Amerepal
Edited: Daniel Lunetta
Photography: Isaias Sanchez & tanQ
Design: tanQ
Copy Edited: Daryle Rico
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
With any small businesses, there are risks involved. However, we are prepared and ready to tackle these challenges!
Challenge:
We are presently making small batches of our product in a small commercial kitchen. Every aspect of production, from peeling ginger to bottling the product is being done manually. Our main challenge is to convert this small operation to a larger one.
Plan:
We have lined up a larger commercial kitchen, rented a cold storage unit, and set up contracts for bottling, labeling and distribution. We have also conducted test runs to calculate labor, food and distribution costs to make sure we set the rewards at the right amount. And to make this larger operation possible, we have also researched various industrial bottling machines and the possibility of working with local bottling companies.
Challenge:
A second challenge is maintaining our inventory. Our promise is to keep our ingredients fresh and natural as much as possible. At the same time, we want to keep our costs down without sacrificing the quality of our products. We presently offer three flavors and wish to add seasonal flavors as we expand our business.
Plan:
Over the last several months, we’ve met with several individuals who have had successful projects on Kickstarter to learn what we might expect. One of the key pieces of advice gained from our research is to be prepared to fulfill the rewards. We have imported the first batch of ingredients and signed contracts for future, larger orders once we are funded. We also have signed contracts with our suppliers to ensure that we will have all needed ingredients and supplies to fulfill Kickstarter rewards and to take our business to the next level, which is our Kickstarter goal.
We are ready to tackle any fireballs that are thrown at us!
We have conducted extensive product testing at street fairs, farmers markets and other public events for the past six months. These consumer tests have provided invaluable feedback and enabled us to perfect our product and production methods. We are confident that we have taken our product as far as possible and now have the necessary planning in place in order to fulfill our rewards. We are ready and eager to take our business to the next step once we are funded!
FAQ
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It's from one (Genki-Su) to six-eight water based on taste. It's personal preference because for beginners, you might want to start w/ 1-8 but as you drink it more, people like it stronger.
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Here are some the interesting articles about drinking vinegar in in Japan. http://www.majiroxnews.com/2011/11/24/drinking-vinegar-is-the-japanese-way-to-health/ http://web-japan.org/trends/lifestyle/lif050125.html http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/03/what-is-drinking-vinegar-asian-drinks.html
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We have a few flavors that we are testing at the moment based the fruit/ingredients that are in season. We will announce the Kickstarter Flavor on the comment board once we select it! We want this to be a one of a kind special flavor so please stay tuned!
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Thank you for checking out our project. We are considering to ship internationally but shipping is very expensive due to the weight (glass bottles). However, we will love to have you try our drinking vinegar, by adding $25 s/h for any pledge. Thank you for your understating and please feel free to contact us if you have any other comment, suggestions and questions!
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One serving of Genki-su is only 8-9 calories. Shiso and Ginger flavors have 1% (4g) carb and 1% (4g) sugars, Yuzu flavor has 2% carb, 1% sugar and these calories come from natural ingredients.
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After the project finish, Amazon will hold funds for 14 days after payments are collected. Once this hold is released, we can transfer funds to our bank account (which can take up to five business days). While we are waiting for receiving the funds, we will also send each backers a survey to collect shipping information, etc and we will start shipping as soon as we hear back from you! Please allow about 3 weeks to receive your Genki-Su.
279
Backers
$14,450
pledged of $8,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Nov 15, 2012 -
Dec 15, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 3 backed
- Judy Tan 901 friends
- Website: genkisu.com
Pledge $25 or more
11 backers All gone!
MINI SET: Three 5 oz. bottles (10 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $32 or more
97 backers
MINI SET: Three 5 oz. bottles (10 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $50 or more
15 backers All gone!
FOR INTERNATIONAL BACKERS ONLY: One 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in a flavor of your choice (Yuzu-Citron, Shiso or Ginger-Honey). International shipping included. We would love to get some feedback about how the vinegar arrive. If international shipping is successful, we will offer that service when our web store opens in 2013.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $55 or more
86 backers Limited (14 of 100 left)
KICKSTARTER STARTER PACKAGE: Three 5 oz. bottles (10 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. PLUS one 12 oz. bottle of LIMITED EDITION KICKSTARTER flavor (24 servings per bottle). Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $65 or more
25 backers
LARGE SET: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $90 or more
4 backers
LARGE SET + TSHIRT: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. PLUS an awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us) Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $90 or more
2 backers
LARGE SET + RECIPE BOOK: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate in three flavors: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. PLUS an exclusive recipe book of how you can use Genki-Su creatively! Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $135 or more
9 backers Limited (91 of 100 left)
SUPER KICKSTARTER PACKAGE: Three 12 oz. bottles (24 servings per bottle) of Genki-Su concentrate + LIMITED EDITION KICKSTARTER flavor (12 oz. bottle, 24 servings) + Recipe Book + one awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us). Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $185 or more
3 backers
SUPER SUPPORTER PACKAGE: Three 12 oz bottles of Genki-Su concentrate (24 servings per bottle) delivered to your door every month for 3 months! Each month, you will get one of each flavor: Yuzu-Citron, Shiso (Japanese Basil), Ginger-Honey. Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US onlyPledge $225 or more
2 backers Limited (48 of 50 left)
HOST A PARTY: Enough vinegar to share among your friends! Nine 12 oz. bottles of Genki-Su concentrate (24 servings per bottle) + Recipe Book + one awesome Genki-Su tshirt designed by tanQ (www.tanQ.us) Domestic shipping included.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Ships within the US only
