Jen Mayer

Kimchi

I am trying my hand at producing lacto-fermented vegetables. Commonly known as sauerkraut and kimchi, these foods are known for their various health benefits. From the Weston A. Price Foundation website:

• Many sources say raw fermented foods are beneficial to the digestive system by increasing the healthy flora in the intestinal tract or creating the type of environment for them to flourish. Sauerkraut and its juice are traditional folk remedies for constipation. Fermentation actually increases nutrient values in the cabbage, especially vitamin C. Fermented foods are also said to facilitate the breakdown and assimilation of proteins. They have a soothing effect on the nervous system.

• Before the days of refrigeration, sauerkraut served as the only source of vitamin C during the winter in northern climates. It was used on long ship voyages to prevent scurvy.

• During the Civil War, some enlightened doctors fed sauerkraut to prisoners of war, reducing the death rate from smallpox from 90 percent to 5 percent–something we should take note of with the current concerns about the use of smallpox germs as part of biological warfare.

• Best of all, sauerkraut makes a synergistic combination with heavy, greasy and cooked foods such as sausage and cooked meat, the kinds of foods that nourish us through the winter. And because it aids digestion, you can eat these foods without feeling tired afterwards just by adding sauerkraut to your plate as a condiment.

I did a little research online and basically followed the guidelines Ran Prieur has on his website. Here is a picture of what I have so far… It’s been 2 weeks and the fermenting process takes about 4 weeks to complete. Already it has a pungent odor. My friends are concerned about the “rotting” vegetables in my cabinet. Alas we will just have to wait and see how it turns out.

kimchi

I will be speaking at Ignite Boulder 3 on other food projects and why I think it’s important to learn how to make your own food. Boulder’s KBFR pirate radio will be broadcasting the event. Check it out!

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