Fermented Food

Fresh Choice Nelson welcomes back our Guest Blogger, Maddy Bellcroft; Maddy’s talking fermented food – Find Maddy on Facebook.

Fermented foods have gained a great following in recent years. Not only do they taste delicious they are also thought to be very nourishing for your body. Some kids (and adults) may turn their noses up on their first taste of fermented food (although I do have a friend who\’s two-year-old loves sauerkraut for breakfast). My best advice for those who don’t like the taste is to start with very small amounts and, if possible, mix them into other things so the flavour isn’t strong.

Here are some of my top fermented foods in store.

Apple cider vinegar – Lots of great brands to choose from, for more goodness make sure it is raw. Try Braggs, Chantal or the company Goulter’s. It is great mixed into salad dressings or try a tablespoon mixed with hot water as a morning wake up drink and sweeten with a little honey if needed.

Sauerkraut – Raw, tangy and crunchy, I am a little obsessed with sauerkraut. Try the organic Pure Pantry brand which is not pasteurised and kept in the fridge. My favourite flavour is chilli salsa. Mix into salads, or serve veggie sausages and cauliflower mash.

Natto – Nutrient dense fermented soy beans, which are a delicacy in Japan. The bacteria used to ferment them is called Natto Bacillis, it does have a strong taste and smell, and the white variety is milder. Try mixing into stir fries, salads or omelettes.

Tempeh – Tonzu make a wonderful tempeh which takes on the flavour of whatever you marinade it in. Try soaking it in a mixture of sweet chilli, soy and balsamic vinegar before baking it until crispy in the oven. Use in curries and stews or on top of pizza.

There are lots of other great fermented foods in store like Dovedale’s naturally leavened sourdough bread, Miso paste and all kinds of yoghurt so come on in and wake up your taste buds.