Cultured foods discussion

Ok guys lets get this discussion on the blog where everyone can see it.

GIGI WROTE
I have recently been enjoying Kombucha...a lovely fermented tea
that has made a big difference in my life. I haven't made it
successfully at home...yet...but the bottled stuff (GT's) is
very, very good.
Love,
G2

MOLLY WROTE

Hello Happy Detoxers!
Wasn't sure if I should post here or the blog....
I made cultured veg last winter and wanted to give my experience.

I did buy the starter from the Body Ecology web site (great book and site)
http://www.bodyecology.com/cveggies.php

as I just wanted to make sure I did it right the first time.

I used 1.5 heads of cabbage - green and red. Added some shredded carrot, ginger and garlic. So it was kind of a non-spicy Kim Chee.

I sure made enough! I still have a load in the fridge. There seems to be 2 variations out there in terms of producing it. One is in the 6th edition of the Body Ecology and the 10th edition has a different way. The way with the plate, possible mold, and all that I did not try (I presume the older way). The newer is just put a lid on it and let it do its work.

The only thing I would do different in the next batch is no garlic and make less. I have so much in there to finish before I can experiment with another recipe. Also, I don't really like the flavor. It is very powerful. My favorite way to eat it is just mixed into a salad. But I try to think of it as medicine, not food, and that helps.

If anyone finds a recipe that they love - let me know. Also, Dea - I would love to hear about your Coconut Kefir experience. I would love to make it but haven't tried it yet. We have the brown coconuts in the stores - can you use those? What to do if you don't have a green coconut?

Cheers! Happy cleansing!
Molly

GIGI WROTE

I've been drinking Kombucha lately. LOVE IT. Tried brewing it
once, unsuccessfully. Anyone have any thoughts on this? GT's
is very good, and I try to drink one bottle over the course of
a day.

I have also heard about something called Kefir Soda...is that
like the coconut kefir? It's supposedly relatively easy to make...and
very kid friedly.

(Molly...would love to try your Kim Chee...although I wonder
what "powerful" means?)

Love to you...
G2

JANEE WROTE

Hello folks,

I take Apple Cider Vinegar most days, great for the gut. I take it first thing in the morning and then before my evening meal, mixed with water. Some people don’t like it at all but I love it and I begin to crave it after a few days if I don’t have it. Its very refreshing after exercise.

I think a recommended dose is 2tbsp ACV to 250ml water. I don’t sweeten it, but its possible to add a little honey if you really cant tolerate the flavour. Try it though – it grows on you!

I read in this website http://www.earthclinic.com/ that it is not recommended to take ACV or other remedies every day because it creates dependence. I guess my cravings are testament to the truth in that advice! I just cant imagine the torment of going cold turkey through apple cider vinegar withdrawal ; - )

There is also some information there that says the ACV should be mixed with bicarb soda to stop the vinegar from decaying the teeth. I must admit I don’t do this at the moment as the bicarb mixed with vinegar makes a big frothy mess and its so much easier first thing in the morning to just mix a bit of ACV and water. I’ll have to go to the dentist and see what they say!

Best wishes for the Detox and bring on Spring,

Janee

ACV + Bicarb Soda link: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acv_baking_soda_cures.html#RF