Probiotics seems to be one of the hottest trends in nutritionism and food marketing right now. We know that the good, beneficial bacteria help us digest our food better, rebuilds our crucial bacterial flora and immune system (especially after an antibiotic cure) and increases nutrient absorbtion. These living creatures are our friends. The food corporations now add these good bacteria to sweet yogurts and promise digestive miracles!

Well, there is a much better, cheaper and healthier way to feed your gut the good stuff. Make your own raw, cultured vegtables! 

I made a big batch yesterday and have put it aside to do it's goodness over the next week. Fermentation is a magical thing.

Here's what I put in my "kraut":

1. Vegetable mix: Cabbage, Carrots, Daikon, Burdock, Beets, Cilantro and Ginger.

2. Finely chop or slice all your vegetables and mix them together in a large bowl.

3. Brine: one apple, cellery and two cups of the vegetable mix + filtered water. Put the brine ingredients in a VitaMix or strong blender and add water until it's 3/4 full. Blend! Add one package of culture starter to the brine.

4. Pack clean glass jars with the vegetable mixture. Make sure to really pack it tightly to avoid any oxygen being captured between them. Add a dash of the brine. Roll a big cabbage leaf and place it on top of the vegetables in the jar and close it up. Leave it in room temperature for 4 + days and digg in (I put my jars in the microwave that I never use!) 

For more info on beneficial bacteria and cultured vegetable recipes visit Body Ecology.

Reek the benefits!