One of the latest trends in clean eating has actually been around for a very long time – but you may not know much about fermented foods. Fermenting foods is a practice that’s been used for thousands of years.
Fermentation is a process in which foods are exposed to bacteria and yeasts which help them to become preserved and more beneficial for the body at the same time. This is a process where food is actually broken down but not so much that it’s rotten or bad for you.
In fact, fermented foods are actually very good for the body. They provide you with a variety of new flavors and the foods are preserved in a natural way without the use of harmful chemicals.
Fermented foods are also easier to digest in many cases and substances in foods that might block the absorption of nutrients are removed. Fermented foods also require less time for cooking.
It may seem that fermented foods are a bit foreign, but in actuality they are very common. For example, yogurt and pickles are examples of fermented foods and they’re very commonly eaten. Other common fermented foods include sauerkraut, kombucha, and very aged cheeses.
The actual process of fermenting foods is called lactofermentation. During this process bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the food. This feeding leads to the production of lactic acid. This process can be done easily and naturally and has many health benefits.
The fermentation process helps foods to become filled with healthy bacteria. These probiotic foods actually improve your health by regulating your digestion and improving your immune system function.
It’s also very easy to ferment foods inexpensively at home using basic ingredients. All you need to make sauerkraut is cabbage, salt, water, and some time. For other foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha you need a starter culture.
But once you start making these products, you’ll never have to buy another starter – you can just keep using the products you have fermented to continue the cycle. Making these foods at home can help you to keep them budget-friendly and allow you to have access to them all the time.
You’ll notice that fermented foods have a strong flavor. Some people love it from the start while others find it to be an acquired taste. But when you’re eating clean and avoiding processed foods and sugar, fermented foods actually begin to taste much better to your palate.
