Different cultures have been fermenting foods for thousands of years.

Before modern conveniences like refrigeration, freezing and canning, fermentation was used out of necessity to preserve foods. Kimchi is thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago and Sauerkraut has been traced back to the fourth century B.C. in Germany! 

More recently fermented foods have re-emerged on the modern culinary scene and with good reason! A fermented food is one whose taste and texture have been transformed by beneficial bacteria.Their unique flavors are a delicious addition to any meal and they are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. 

Fermentation that produces lactic acid (which is what we will be doing), is called lacto-fermentation. But don’t worry my lactose intolerant friends, there is no lactose involved. Lacto simply refers to the name of the lactic acid bacteria that are most commonly found on cabbage and other vegetables that we commonly ferment.

BENEFITS OF FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented foods are primarily known for their probiotic benefits and promoting a healthy gut. But they also increase the nutritional value of foods by improving bioavailability, which increases the absorption of vitamins and minerals, and helps to breakdown toxins and anti-nutrients such as phytates and pesticides. The vitamin C content in cabbage is increased by 600% after 7 days of fermentation! Super cool stuff!

In addition, there is a huge body of evidence suggesting that consuming probiotic rich foods may be helpful for a variety of health conditions including; colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastric reflux, gum disease, obesity, and high cholesterol. Probiotic bacteria move through the gut relatively quickly and cannot implant in the GI tract which is why it’s important to eat a variety of probiotic rich foods daily. 

HOW TO INTRODUCE FERMENTED FOODS INTO YOUR DIET

When you’re introducing fermented foods into your diet, start slowly adding just a tablespoon at a time. You may experience some gas or bloating initially but that should resolve. Everybody processes food a little differently. Some people eat a tablespoon a day and others eat 1/2 cup. Start slow and listen to your body. And most importantly, Enjoy!