What is fermented food?

Fermented food has billions of bacteria on the food. This bacteria is really good for our body because of its influence on the gut microbiome.

Fermentation is an ancient process used by humans to preserve foods. Fermented foods can last week, months, or even years if preserved correctly. This was a crucial technique used by humans to have seasonal food during the entire year.

Fermented foods are easier for our body to digest. When the fermented food gets to our gut, the good bacteria spreads out and strengthens our gut. Gut health is known to have a major impact on all aspects of the body.

Fermented foods are safe when prepared correctly. Not only do I eat fermented food—We feed fermented food to our 6-month old baby!

I eat fermented foods

Usually one meal per day has a small to medium side portion of fermented food. Fermented food is also used as a snack.

Favorite fermented foods:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Pickles
• Onions
• Jalapeños
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt
• Kefir

Fermented foods are best eaten in the beginning of the meal with an empty stomach. Any time fermented food is on the plate, it's my first few bites.

I make my own ferments

I’ll spend a few hours chopping large portions of vegetables and preparing jars for fermenting.

I use a "anaerobic lactic acid fermentation" process. This is when fresh food is completely submerged in salted water and left at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.

I make large portions so we have ferments available for weeks.

I buy yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. I make sauerkraut, pickles, jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes.

Interested in fermenting?

Fermenting is easy!

I highly recommend doing it yourself, or finding someone local that does it by hand, instead of buying commercial.

Fermented food is an acquired taste and it’s very common to see different reactions to the food. I may love fermented tomatoes and you make think they are disgusting. The flavors are intense and you either like it or you don’t. Don’t give up if you don’t like one of the foods. Every food, and every fermentation, has a unique fermented flavor.

No vinegar

Many times vinegar is mentioned in fermented food conversation. If there’s vinegar in the ferment, bacteria can’t grow. We need good bacteria to grow on the food to improve our gut health. Vinegar doesn't allow for this process to happen.