live

Britt’s Pickles (Lactofermented in Oak Barrels)

britts-secretsI stumbled across these amazing and addictive pickles while passing through Pikes Place Market in Seattle. It was perfect timing as I had just eated a rather cheap steak and egg breakfast and was needing some help digesting it. The Britt’s Pickles stand offers free samples of all of their pickles as well as shots of the brine, which was exactly what my belly needed right then.

I was so thrilled to find these traditionally fermented pickles available. I got the hot and sour and immediately devoured the whole bottle in one sitting. The pickles are almost smoky from the oak barrels they are fermented in. The tannins in the oak interact with the fermentation process creating the most amazing crispy pickle with a very layered taste dimension.

The most powerful thing was just the feeling of goodness and wellbeing, the care taken when sourcing the cucumbers and other vegetables used is obvious. The love and understanding of the fermentation process comes through loud and clear in the amazing flavor of these pickles.

I have to bring two bottles with me whenever I go to visit my mother these days. She has a powerful craving for sour foods and these pickles are her favorite. She expecially loves them as she can just nibble on a piece whenever she wants. These pickles are one of the few things she can eat without having to take enzymes because of her pancreatic cancer. The first day I brought them home my little niece who is 4 years old and my mother both loved them so much they nearly started to fight over the last few pieces! Luckily you can order them in bulk from their website: www.brittsliveculturefoods.com

pickle-jefferson

I also really appreciate that these pickles are chock full of probiotics so they help all of our digestive systems and boost our immunity. I just can’t say enought good things about these pickles! I also look forward to seeing more of these types of naturally fermented products becoming available in stores.

Living Smoothie: Apple, Ginger, Carrot & Kefir

Living Smoothie: Apple, Ginger, Carrot & Kefir

Well I've been feeling a bit bad about not posting many recipes lately, so I just wanted to share this one. Recently we've started adding juices to our kefir--yum! Very easy fresh and full of friendly enzymes, probiotics and vitamins. 3 apples 3 medium carrots 1-2 inch piece of ginger 1 c of ...

Kombucha for Two

Kombucha for Two

I finally realized that even though I spend a lot of time raving on about the wonders of kombucha I haven't posted a basic description for how to make it. Every ten days I follow this routine which provides me and my man with tasty kombucha tea while the next batch ferments on the countertop. Halve ...

Old Fashioned Homemade Pickles

Old Fashioned Homemade Pickles

Published August 2009 in Healthy Options magazine, New Zealand Recipe for homemade lacto-fermented dill pickles. Lactic Acid Fermentation: Symbiotic Man's Secret Ingredient for Health and Longevity Many years ago, I worked at the Inya Lake Hotel in Myanmar which also does catering and event ...

Lime and Chili Sauerkraut

Lime and Chili Sauerkraut

This is a very simple recipe, but has a fantastic flavor. Any type of cabbage can be used. One firm cabbage 2-3 chilis 6 keffir lime leaves 2 Tablespoon coarse sea salt Method Cut cabbage into quarters, remove inner core and slice thinly. Alternatively grate or put through a food proce ...