The fermentation process makes veggies extra tangy and zesty, and preserves them for a long time—sometimes months! In addition, fermented foods are easy to make and inexpensive. Instead of buying them from your grocery store, you can DIY to save money and get creative.

The benefits of fermented foods (besides tastiness)

Probiotics

Packed with gut-friendly probiotics, fermented foods can improve digestion and boost immunity. Research is still emerging on how important these mighty microbes are for our health, but early results are promising. (They may even help us get leaner, according to Lisa D’Agrosa, M.S., R.D.)

Bioavailable Vitamins and Minerals

Fermented foods are easily digested, and produce their own B vitamins and vitamin k2, among others. The vitamins and minerals in fermented foods are also very bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed but your gut lining. Thanks to fermentation, you can reap the benefits of your vitamins that much faster.

Budget-friendly

Fermented foods are very inexpensive to make, due to the low cost of ingredients and the ability to create and store large batches. Our reCAP system allows you to make batches of your favorite ferment to store and serve conveniently. (Did you know- you can make a large batch of Kombucha for less than $3!)

Popular Ferments:

Kombucha

A popular probiotic drink with a tangy flavor, Kombucha is made by adding a bacterial culture and yeast to a mixture of tea and sugar. After fermentation, the result is an acidic beverage packed with B vitamins and antioxidants. 

Sauerkraut

The classic sandwich-topper is made from shredded or chopped cabbage, salted and jarred in its own liquid, then left to ferment for a few weeks before going into the refrigerator. Sauerkraut is the easiest ferment and often the “the gateway” for the DIY fermenter.  Besides your classic kraut (recipe here) you can get creative with apples, oranges, and ginger (recipe here.)

Kimchi

A traditional Korean side dish that often starts with cabbage and can include other vegetables and seasonings such as chili peppers.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk product (cow, goat, or sheep milk) that tastes like a drinkable yogurt. Kefir benefits include high levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes, and probiotics. Our Continuous Kefir Kit provides instructions and convenient storage!

Our favorite ferments:

Don’t worry if the taste of sauerkraut and kefir isn't your thing. Some of the best ferments can be created with a mixture of garden veggies:

• Ginger Carrots

• Honey Garlic

• Zesty Cauliflower

• giardiniera

• Cherry Tomatoes

The above recipes can be found in our Fermentation eBOOK.