This month, we are again featuring Fermented Foods from Garden Goddess Ferments as our product of the month. And to encourage you to start eating (or continue eating) fermented foods, For September only we are offering BOGO 50% off (the lesser priced item). We will have samples for most of the products available, so you can taste and find your favorite.
Why are we so excited about fermented foods? Fermented foods have been part of the human diet around the world for thousands of years. Different cultures have their own fermented food traditions, such as Korean kimchee and German sauerkraut. Foods were fermented to extend their shelf life and to preserve food when it is scarce, such as in winter. For example, raw cabbage can last refrigerated for a week or so, but when fermented, cabbage can last at least a year.
Besides the extended shelf life, there are some other very important benefits of fermented foods. The first is the bioavailability of nutrients. The fermenting process begins the breakdown (pre-digestion) of ingredients, allowing the nutrients to be readily available for absorption in the gut.
A second benefit to fermented foods is the presence of both prebiotics (the veggies) and probiotics, aka “good bacteria”. The fermenting process relies on bacteria, either native, from the environment, or inoculated by the chef, to change the food from a raw state to an acidic state, which is what preserves the food. This acidified (sour) food is shelf stable and is full of good bacteria. These good bacteria help regulate digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and otherwise stabilize the gut.
When are probiotics important? There are many things in our lives that deplete the normal bacteria of the gut, things like antibiotic usage, stress, consuming processed foods, exposure to pathogenic (bad) bacteria, viruses and fungi. By eating fermented foods, you can help replenish the gut bacteria and return it to a state of optimal health. It is possible to take a probiotic pill for the same purpose, and it may be appropriate to do so, but when you eat fermented foods, you are ingesting live, good for you bacteria that can immediately take residence in your gut.
Why are we so excited about fermented foods from Garden Goddess Ferments? Suzette Smith, the owner of Garden Goddess Ferments, lives and produces her goodies right here in Central Phoenix. She uses all organic ingredients in her ferments, which we believe makes them even better for you. Typically, her products are sold at farmers markets, so we are excited to have them right here in our office, easily available for our clients.
We are currently carrying the following fermented vegetables:
- Kowboy Kraut – All organic green cabbage, celery, red onion, red bell pepper, green chili, garlic, sea salt, cumin, peppercorn. This kraut is loaded with flavor and the cumin gives it a southwest finish. Those colorful vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and of course, your gut will thank you!
- Power Kraut – Loaded with veggies and herbs to nourish the gut with an abundance of benefits.Red cabbage holds special anti-oxidant properties along with great anti-inflammatory herbs, garlic, turmeric, and ginger. The ginger dominates this ferment and it is a great compliment to salads.
- Apple Horse Organic apples, kale, mint, and horseradish root. This is the mildest kraut but don’t let that mildness fool you. Apple Horse is loaded with horseradish! Fermentation tones down the sting of horseradish so you get the benefit without the burn.
- Dilly Hot – Organic green cabbage, fresh dill, serrano chilis, Himalayan sea salt. Nothing beats a sour dill with a little heat. A couple of tablespoons a day is a great vitamin C boost for the body.
- Beet Kvass Fermented Beet Tonic – Organic beets, cinnamon, and cloves. Beet Kvass is the bomb! It’s thirst quenching and hydrating! It kills sugar cravings. It oxygenates your blood and gives you that boost of energy and mental clarity whether you need to kill a hangover or go that extra bit at the gym. Just 2 ounces a day can get you back on track to better digestion, a healthier microbiome and a fresh sense of energy
PS – here is a great article about how much more powerful probiotic foods can be than probiotic pills: Click Here
Ann & Emily
