How to make cultured veggies

A lot of people ask me how I culture veggies.  For some reason, this process seem quite intimidating but I hope to help you with that.  Last night, I invited my girls for a little “sauerkraut party” and made a photo report of the whole process.  For those of you who don’t know how wonderful cultured veggies are, please read “Body Ecology” by Donna Gates. 

You need:

- fresh organic cabbage

- organic carrots

- optional seaweed (I used dulse) 

- Body Ecology Culture Starter and something sweet (e.g. sugar, agave nectar, honey)

- air tight glass jar

1) Prepare your starter by emptying the packet into a half a cup of warm water and adding something sweet for the beneficial bacteria to wake up and eat.  I use EcoBloom which is a probiotic, but any other sugar like honey or agave/maple syrup will work. 

2) Wash your veggies

3) Using the food processor with blades, cut cabbage and grate carrots.  Or just do it manually – it takes a lot longer but that’s what you invite your friends for.  J 

4) Put processed veggies and seaweed into the large container and add the culture starter mix.  And a little more warm water. 

5) This is the most therapeutic part – squeeze the veggies with your hands until they release juice.  You can also add your favorite spices like dill, basil, oregano, garlic, etc. 

6) Make sure you have a real glass air tight container/jar, otherwise your veggies will go bad.  :(

7) Pack veggie mixture into the jar very tightly using your fist or a wooden ….  The tighter – the better. 

8) Leave a couple of inches of space in the end, roll a couple of cabbage leaves and put the on top.  This will prevent the jar from exploding (these microbes are very powerful! J) 

9) Close the lid and make sure it’s closed very tightly.  Wrap the jar(s) in a blanket or a big towel and place somewhere warm like the top of the closet where the temperature is warm and stable.  Wait at least a week or two weeks for best results.  If the veggies are done properly, they will look bright and colorful.  If not, they will look black and terrible. 

As you noticed, there is no salt or vinegar in this process.  All the work is done by the beneficial bacteria that will later do a wonderful job inside of you keeping you happy and healthy.  When you’re ready to eat, feel free to amp it up with some olive oil, sea salt and your favorite herbs and spices.  Cultured veggies are great for digesting any animal products and protecting you from food poisoning.  So definitely give it a try.  If you are not ready to prepare it yourself yet, you can buy the sauerkraut in some health stores.  The good brand is Bubbies, although it contains a lot of salt.