Welcome to fermentation 101! Fermented foods are the latest health trend: and for good reason. Many contain live probiotics, live micro-organisms that are good for gut health and digestion. Fermented foods are also fun for another reason: they’re a fun kitchen DIY project! Watching fermentation happen is like a science project: it’s a process that preserves food that’s been around for centuries. What is fermentation? It’s a process where microorganisms like yeast and bacteria break down food ingredients into other products, giving them a unique taste, aroma and texture. Fermentation is used to make beverages like wine and beer and foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. Want to try it for yourself? Here are our top fermented foods to try at home! Some are are better for your health than others, because they have more live probiotics. But all of them are fun kitchen DIYs to experience the magic of the process.
And now…our top fermented foods to try!
Other fermented foods? Make sure to try kimchi, spicy Korean fermented cabbage, and kefir, a fermented milk drink. Canned sauerkraut vs fresh: The canned or shelf-stable sauerkraut you find at the store does not contain probiotics, because they’re killed in the canning process! Making homemade sauerkraut recipe guarantees you’ll get those live probiotics right into your jar. Does sourdough bread contain live probiotics? No! The dough is fermented by bacteria, but the probiotics are eliminated when the bread is baked. Also try: Easy Vegan Pesto, Quick Soba Noodles, Miso Ramen, or Easy Miso Glaze, or Miso Salmon Does cooking tempeh kill the probiotics? Per this source, the probiotics are only killed on the outside, as long as the internal temperature doesn’t get too hot.
Fermented foods nutrition
Fermented foods can give your body a dose of healthy probiotics, which are live microorganisms crucial to healthy digestion, says Dr. David S. Ludwig, a professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. So eating sauerkraut can contribute to better gut health! According to Healthline, fermented foods have also been associated with several other positive health effects, including stronger immunity and increased availability of nutrients after digestion.
More kitchen DIY projects
We love kitchen DIY projects over here! Looking for a few more ideas? Here’s where to start: No reviews
1 medium-small head green cabbage (about 3 pounds), at room temperature 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon per pound) ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
Tools
1 quart wide mouth mason jar Fermentation lid and helix weight (or a fermentation stone, rubber band and cheesecloth) Cocktail muddler or wooden spoon
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