The Power of Herbs

Mayernik Kitchen connects time-honored herbal remedies to the modern world.

BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE

Mayernik Kitchen, owned by Shannon and Matt Mayernik, was formerly an onlineonly business. In December 2020, the couple opened a brick-and-mortar store in Pompton Plains. Shannon is an herbalist and plant medicine maker, while Matt is an expert on growing vegetables and medicinal herbs. They formulate more than 75 herbal products in their commercial kitchen, sourcing the ingredients from their gardens in North Haledon and Sussex. “From seed to product is what we are all about,” says Shannon.

Whether you already use herbal remedies or you don’t even know what a modern-day apothecary is, Mayernik Kitchen is the place for you. Shannon is friendly, knowledgeable and always eager to explain the benefits of using herb-based products.

“These days more and more people are seeking out nontraditional ways to help navigate their health issues or to live healthier lifestyles in general,” says Shannon, “and that’s where we come in.” Mayernik Kitchen is also a wonderful place to stop by for gifts, including jewelry, candles and pottery, as well as a huge variety of self-care items.

Their business extends far beyond the storefront. Shannon and Matt offer classes (visit mayernikkitchen.com) on how to make jams, tinctures and even herbal cocktails. In addition, they offer fermenting workshops, medicinal plant courses, farm-to-table cooking classes and much more. Shannon and Matt are committed to giving back to their community and enjoy providing these educational opportunities.

The Mayerniks have a very active social media presence on Instagram and Facebook— follow them @mayernikkitchen to learn more. Via their website, www.mayernikkitchen.com, they offer a weekly newsletter where they share photos and stories about their gardens, harvests and medicines.