FERMENTATION
Why Ferments?
Fermentation is an ancient practice that exists in all cultures and has been essential in human history. The transformational powers of microbes bring us some of our favorite cultural staples: alcohol, bread, cheese, vinegar, coffee, and chocolate, just to name a few.
Vegetable fermentation is a class called “lactic acid fermentation,” which means it uses lactic-acid-producing bacteria to transform and preserve vegetables. (Not to be confused with lactose--all of our products are dairy free.) These beneficial microbes pre-digest the carbohydrates in vegetables and make them much more useful foods to humans.
All of our products are probiotic, raw, and ALIVE with billions of microbes!
Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
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Preserves and enhances B and C vitamins, iron, and other minerals
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Makes nutrients more readily available to your body (you’re absorbing more good stuff!)
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Aids in digestion
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Gut regulates neurotransmitters– increases serotonin!~
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Boosts your immune system and inhibits growth of harmful gut bacteria
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Unlocks unique flavors
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Extend local food availability / waste prevention
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Convenient healthy food to have on hand. No cooking required.
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Re-inoculate our guts with important bacteria
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May help in weight loss
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Contain high levels of antioxidants
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Anti-inflammatory properties
Recommended Reading
Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz
Fermented Vegetables by Christopher and Kirsten Shockey
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
FAQ
How long can my ferments last?
We recommend eating our products within 6 months of purchase. Over a long time, you may notice changes in color and flavor. Usually changes in color or flavor are benign and safe to consume. Mold is the exception and should be removed before eating. Remember that sauerkraut is one of the safest foods you can buy, but trust your gut.
Do they need to be kept in the fridge at all times?
We recommend keeping our products in the fridge to make them last the longest. The lower temps of the fridge slow down fermentation and keep your products more stable. However, you can certainly leave them unrefrigerated for short periods of time. Our family loves to take ferments camping because they are so convenient and refreshing on the trail. With this method, you need to be aware that ferments may bubble over or build pressure in their jar due to the respiration of the microbes.
Do they need to be kept in the fridge if they’re unopened?
Our fermented products are unpasteurized and not pressure sealed, so opened vs. unopened is irrelevant.
Do you ship?
Sorry, but we do not. Our values are to feed our local community and steward the earth; the packaging involved in shipping refrigerated products is too resource-intensive for our conscience. We would love to help you find a local fermentation company near you, or to sell larger quantities when you do visit Burnsville.