Happy Monday. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and Easter! Anyone sick (literally) of Easter candy yet? Haha. Well, if you are , then you might like this post. We’re talking fermented foods and how they REBOOT your gut.
Plus I can’t go very long without professing my love for my favorite fermented drink, Kombucha! I might as well talk about it more along with some other fermented food recipes. Sound good?
Okay, let’s get focused.
First….. Why do I (we) love fermented foods?
Well, I think the statement below explains it all.
The gut is the largest part of our immune system,” explains Drew Ramsey, M.D., author of The Happiness Diet and 50 Shades of Kale.
Did you catch that? The gut, it’s the where our real healing begins. So we need to FEED it right. Yes?
But what does this gut need for food? It needs bacteria (good bacteria) to feed on! And that’s where fermented foods come into play.
Fermented Food Examples:
- Kombucha
- Kefir (yogurt and water)
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Pickled Cucumbers
Fermented foods go through what’s known as lactofermentation. Lactofermentation is when natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food and create lactic acid. This then preserves the nutrients in the food such as b-vitamins, probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, and even certain enzymes. So you see, fermented food actually FEEDS US more by FEEDING the gut more nutrients that are sustainable and digestible.
Ahh haa!!! Now you know why Kombucha plays a big part in MAINTAINING my gut health –> IMMUNITY!
New Cotter Brew flavor Mango Guava. Made from the Komucha Brooklyn starter Kit.
And speaking of Kombucha Brookyln , these amazing folks sent me their home brew kit along with their new Kombucha recipe book and a few bottles of their delicious brew!.
I loved them all, but GRAPE was probably my favorite.
The kit was so easy to use and came with everything you need to brew your own kombucha, including a scoby and glass container! I was impressed!
The directions were easy to follow and written right there on the box. So if you are wanting to try out kombucha brewing for the first time, I’d definitely check out the kit.
And for those of you who have been brewing for a while and dare to try new things, you must get this Kombucha recipe book.
The book is written by the CEO Eric Childs and his wife (and microbiologist) Jessica Childs. Eric is is a head committee member of Kombucha Brewers International, as well as one of the most knowledgeable persons in the Kombucha industry. Their book walks you through the kombucha brewing process, the flavoring, the double fermenting, and is filled with some pretty amazing komucha recipes like probiotic salsa and eggs poached in kombucha vinegar.
Now that’s some FUN FERMENTED FOOD! Not gonna lie, I was a little giddy thinking about all the strange but good recipes I could try out!
Okay, so maybe you’re new to fermented foods. Maybe you’re a bit intimidated. That’s okay because I’ve got some basic fermented recipes to share from fellow fermented food lover bloggers.
- Wellness Mama – Water Kefir Soda
- Lean Green Bean (guest post) – All things Fermented and other great facts
- Purely Twins- How to make fermented veggies and avocado sauerkraut mash
- Fit Foodie Finds – Strawberry Coconut Dip
- Cotter Crunch – Super Fruit Smoothie and making a scoby from Scratch
- Vegan Kimchi -similar to Sauerkraut but with different vegetables and spices
- Run To the Finish- Super food Chocolate Chia Kefir pudding
And feel free to check out more on my Fermented foods pinterest Board.
Follow Lindsay – Cotter Crunch’s board Fermented Food and Drink on Pinterest.
Well, you ready to try out some fermented foods?
[Tweet “Get “cultured” with these Fermented Food facts and Recipes via @LCCotter #fitfluential #guthealth #recipes”]
I promise, they are MARVELOUS!
Cheers,
LC
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Disclosure: I received complimentary Kombucha Brooklyn Book and kit to review. I promise my opinions are 100% my own.
I have to try Kefir!! All of these look so good… and that guava kombucha?? Almost makes me a kombucha convert (again)
Fermented foods were recently recommended to me by somebody, but I just didn’t understand the appeal – now I kind of do! I’m going to have to figure this out… any advice to eating fermented foods on a college (read: small) budget!?
I’d start of with buying kefir yogurt and adding it to your breakfast!
you know love this 😉
I didn’t know fermented foods could look so so good! Great round up of gut friendly recipes – that fruit dip looks insanely delish!
Do you make your own kefir from kefir grains too? I gotta get my hands on this kombucha starter kit!
they do and they are! you must try Shashi!
Everything looks so good… strange but good that is. I’ve been meaning to get some Kefir for a while. Gotta get on that!
I need to get some more fermented foods in my life! I’ve never tried Kefir but I see it everywhere!!! Love me some sauerkraut too 🙂 I also finally found a kombucha that l like…sparkling!! thanks for a great post, Lindsay!!
I eat fermented foods a lot! Soooo good for the gut. We make our own saurekraut and we drink kombucha! So yum!
Once I’m not pregnant I’m going back to Kombucha. I used to drink it a lot about 2 years ago, but my doctor said if you haven’t drank it in awhile, don’t bring it back during pregnancy. LOVE RECIPE ROUND UPS… Keep them coming please!
really? I heard it was good for pregnancy, but it’s probably different for everyone, yes?
I pickle all the time but i’ve never fermented anything- I LOVE the round-up of recipes to try. Thanks so much for sharing!
xx Kait
ohh yes! try them out, you’d love!
You know I love any and all fermented foods! I’ve done water and milk kefir, kombucha, kraut and basically anything that can be feremented (carrots, radish, green beans, pickles), and obviously kimchi! I can’t wait for my garden again! I’ve got fermented salsa on the docket this year.
and that is why we are friends.. well, one of the many. Ferment friends for life. LOL!
Love this post and still really need to try and brew my own again. Once we move back home it’s top priority! Was the scoby in this kit dehydrated or fresh?
it’s a fresh scoby! The kit comes with everything, so you would love it! the book was actually really fun too. so many ideas!
If you lived close – I would try yours! I am too lazy to do it! 🙂
i wish you did!!
OMG that salsa. I cant wait to watch the video!
it’s freaking fab!! we need a fermented food date. wish you lived here
mmmmm, so much good stuff to try!! I need more fermentation in my life, for sure!
so many great recipes to check out!
i am eating pickles like it’s my job.. like i am pregnant or something
your job is growing a human. so eat up!
I LOVE all things fermented! I actually took a fermentation class (I’m the only person who would do this) and made my own kombucha and sauerkraut. I kept it up for a while but then my mother started to look funny and my actual mother told me I needed to throw it out lol. I have TWO fermented recipes coming next week! One with Kefir and one with miso. Gut happy over here!
can i please come hang with you?!! I need to go to that class. LOVE!
This is awesome info. It’s all new info to me but that’s great because I have long suffered with nutrient absorption. My belly also gives me a lot of trouble. I’m willing to try anything to help at this point. Thanks for the great post!
you really need to! add it in slowly but it will help!
I definitely need to try more fermented food! I didn’t know Kefir is on the list – need to get that one!!
I love kimchi!! I really need to make it myself looks easy enough it’s just the waiting to eat it part.. haha
this one is awesome!! so easy
Oh yes I am 😉 I enjoy all those foods so much!
you are a fermenting pro! haha
Fermented foods interest me so much! I am still learning so much about them, but I really want to start incorporating them into my diet. That kombucha drink is really interesting me. Do you buy yours or make it?
both. I buy it when i want it ASAP. LOL! but i love making my own. You so need to try! kefir and kimchi are easy too!
love me some kombucha!! Counting the days until I can start brewing!
you need to soon! i wish i lived closer so i could share!
i LOVE fermented foods. i have a crazy gut too. 🙂 i make my own kimchi and put it on almost, everything. and kombucha. love love love. i have yet to try making my own, but it’s on my list!
i feel like we are sisters. haha so alike!
I sooooo want to start making my own kombucha. I just need some more time….for now I buy it at the store & enjoy! 🙂
This is such a great overview of the importance of fermented foods. Sauerkraut is the one I get most often. And since I won your Kombucha making kit gift certificate, I’m looking forward to making some of my own soon!
let me know when you do!! can’t wait for L to try
I NEED to add more fermented foods to my diet! I feel like I keep saying that, but I need to actually do it. My stomach hasn’t been very happy with me lately and I’m thinking this may help.
oh no’!! we need to remedy that asap!
I do enjoy some fermented foods. YUM. So good. I still need to try brewing my own kombucha. I’m sure my kids would get a kick out of my little experiment 🙂
totally a science project! haha
I likey the kimchi!
Love this for a gut health rookie! I want to absorb all of this great info so I’m sure I’ll be back. First, I’ll look into Dr. Ramey’s book(s). Always learning.
you would love this book!!
Thanks for sharing! Now maybe I’ll try the Kimchi that a coworker always brings in and offers.
i think you’d be surprised! its good
I LOVE fermented foods and it’s just a bonus for me that they are good for your tummy too! I made oatgurt years ago and haven’t done it in awhile. I need to do it again. It’s so good and so good for you! Great post friend! I hope you have an amazing week! xoxo
oatgurt?! oh please share that recipe!!!
This recipe round up post is giving my stomach a HUG! 😉
i think gigi needs a video on this
I don’t know… I might just be making FART NOISES the entire time. LOL!
toot toot
Thanks for the round up. I love sauerkraut but have never made my own.
i bet you could and it would be delish!
p.s.
any luck with the trilogy? haha
I used that same started for my kombucha. It’s my 2nd favorite fermented item. You forgot my #1 favorite… grapes! 😉
Yes, everyday!! Love them, especially homemade sauerkraut. I need to get back into homemade kombucha though…all my trips for the store-bought stuff add up quickly 🙂
oh i’d love to try yours!!
MMMM Fermentation 😉 I still need to make use of my big empty jar i got for kombucha!
Great post! I have the book Wild Fermentation and am excited to finally try some of the recipes. Thanks for always inspiring me in this area! 🙂
let me know if you do!!
FINALLY! Maybe if I buy the kit I can make my own Kombucha! As long as it is super easy. Given my latest issues, I am going to have to sit down and blog stalk your older posts 🙂
stalk or email! i’m game to share!
Ooooh great roundup! I love me some fermentation! The Caveman is the earth’s biggest kraut fan I think. Home brew kombucha is the next frontier for me. That kit looks cool!
oh i will have to check that out!
Linds, I’ve been religiously eating Sauerkraut each day 😉
Kimchi I love, but it is SO expensive here- Do you have a recipe or one you’d seen around?
Kombucha…no thanks. :p
oh yes, i’ll add one to the list. You’d love. http://gnowfglins.com/2011/01/05/kimchi-korean-sauerkraut/
girrrrrrl awesome post!!!!!! yes yes yes! heal through the gut 😀 and i totally want that starter kit!!!!!!!!! i would love to get in touch with them
you should!!! you’d love it
Alright, alright Lindsay I will! I prroooomiiiissseee! I think it is time to try it, I have honestly been on the lookout for Kombucha, and when I do see it, I will try.
When I talked to the people at Ignite Naturals about my stomach being upset, this was one of their recommendations to help my stomach deal with the natural ingredients in their products. I really want to be able to use them for my marathon, so I should give it a try 🙂 I need to make my gut feel better in workouts!
haha love it! keep me posted!