The Simple Life

Fermentation

When people hear this word most people think of beer or wine. But there are many foods and food products made from the fermentation process that are undetected from the public’s idea of fermentation. For example kombucha, soy sauce, miso, sourdough bread, vinegar, yogurt,kefir, sauerkraut and pickles. I recently told my friend that I was fermenting milk and the look they gave me was one of disgust. Oddly enough had I have stated I am making yogurt I am sure they would have just said oh I didn’t know you could do that at home.

So what is it and why are people afraid of it?

Fermentation is a very old process
(There is a 7000 year old container of wine on display at Pennsylvania university that came from Zagros Mountain in Iran) of the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms. It is actually a process that occurs in the digestive tracts of all animals including humans and the only method common to all bacteria; which makes it the oldest metabolic process. This metabolic process is the primary means of producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

If you didn’t know, ATP is responsible for energy synthesis and transportation. Many cellular functions rely on ATP including protein synthesis, anaerobic respiration(Krebs cycle) and cellular division.

The fermentation of food breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, helping to make the nutrients more available for absorption, and helps remove the compounds that interfere with the absorption of the nutrients at the same time. Fermentation also helps create B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, and probiotics, it enriches the flavors,aromas, and textures of foods. It also adds beneficial bacteria to the intestinal flora increasing the microbiome of the gut, ultimately enhances the immune system.

So, grab a glass of Kombucha and toast to your health and start fermenting today!
Want to know more? Let me know how I can help you start your fermentation journey today by sending me a message. I will point you in the direction you need, share my resources with you, or answer your questions.

March is here!
Days are getting longer and with the increased sun, the weather is getting nicer and maybe even a little warmer!

And here at my house I am itching to start planting!
One thing that is always fun to grow is rainbow carrots!!

Carrots or daucus carota is a root vegetable that is often claimed to be the perfect health food as its crunchy,tasty, and highly nutritious. Carrots provide beta-carotene, biotin, vitamin b6, vitamin a,fiber, vitamin k, potassium, and antioxidants. They are weight loss friendly and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels. They come in all sorts of colors as you can see.
Some nutrition facts for you: 100 grams of raw carrots contains
41 calories, 9.5 g carbs, 4.7 g sugar, 2.8 g fiber, 0.2 g fat

Pectin is the main source of fiber in the carrots. It is a soluble fiber that aids in slowing digestion of starches and sugars and feeds the good bacteria in the gut, and impairs the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract. They also contain cellulose, an insoluble fiber that helps promote regular and healthy bowel movements.

My favorite things to do with carrots is to either ferment them or to eat them roasted with garlic and Parmesan!

What are your favorite garden vegetable and what do you do with it?

Essential Oils are not the only Health and Wellness tool I use.

Seen below are two herbal remedies in the making. Calendula officinalis or pot marigold infused oil and yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) tincture.

🌼 calendula infused oil
Why am I making this? I use it when I make soaps and often turn it into a salve.
Calendula flowers have many uses though. They are edible and have been used in place of saffron, and to color cheese and butter for a long time. When. Eaten it has been said to aid in relief of abdominal cramps and constipation.
When used topical as I am going to calendula has been found to help promote the quality and appearance of skin as well as promote healing. During the American Civil War and WW1 it was used in open wounds and on dressings as an antihemorrhagic and antiseptic to promote healing.

🌿 Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)
Known as an astringent and diaphoretic yarrow has been known to cause constriction of mucous membranes supporting digestion and soothing stomach aches, protecting the skin and reducing fevers.
Yarrow contains salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. Although the amount found In yarrow is far less it aides in its ability to help one feel better.

Both of these plants can be found locally to me and I wild harvested the yarrow earlier in the year. I did purchase the calendula from our local health store but it is also in the garden, if you remember to harvest and store it properly. These are both options in my arsenal of health and wellness. I save money, enjoy some time outside, and can get over some of the seasonal crud without the need for over the counter medications that may tax my body systems further with all the added ingredients in them or a costly trip to see the doctor. And if my remedies don’t work, I am not out of options as I am sure the doctor has something up their sleeves to help.