Fermented, probiotic, or cultured foods have undergone a process called lacto-fermentation whereby the natural healthy strains of bacteria (lactobacilli) found in many vegetables convert vegetable sugar and starch into lactic acid as a metabolic byproduct. This process prevents spoilage from occurring and creates beneficial nutrients. This process was used traditionally to help preserve food during the colder months when fresh vegetables were scarce. Fermented foods are quite different from many of today’s pickling processes. “Pickling” typically use vinegar as an ingredient and does not contain the living bacteria culture that provide all these wonderful health benefits that are found in Zymbiotics’ naturally fermented foods.

Some of the beneficial effect of lactic acid bacteria consumption include:

• Improving intestinal tract health
• Enhancing the immune system, synthesizing and enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients
• Reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Decreasing the prevalence of allergies in susceptible individuals
• Reducing the risk of certain cancers.

J Appl Microbiol. 2006 Jun;100(6):1171-85.

• Gut bacteria increase availability of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and activated form of folate), vitamin C, glutathione (antioxidant), and enzymes needed for digestion and detoxification. Microflora play a direct role on our mood, emotions and mental health. They create 90% of our ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Bacteria are also necessary to help produce two vitamins: K and B12

• Studies have shown that it can be a useful aid in balancing blood sugar and lowering cholesterol levels, especially in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus and/or metabolic syndrome.
• Strengthens the immune system and removes toxins.
• High in B-Vitamins (energy) and helps produce serotonin (feel good neurotransmitter).
• A good source of Vitamin K2, which has been shown in recent studies to aid in osteoporosis prevention. K2 helps to transport calcium from the blood into the bones.
• Makes nutrients in food more bio-available to us. (Easier to digest/absorb)
• Shown to improve skin integrity by decreasing inflammation 

My number one tip is to start slow and work your way up! Even just two tablespoonfuls a day with your meal can be beneficial to your health.

Ideas to adding them into diet: 

• Add Zymbiotics sauerkraut, ginger carrots, beets and kimchi to salads.
• Add Zymbiotics sauerkraut, ginger carrots, beets and kimchi to sandwiches, wraps and burgers .
• Add Zymbiotics  ginger carrots and  beets to smoothies.
• Add Zymbiotics kimchi to egg dishes.
• Add Zymbiotics ginger carrots and beets to hummus.
• Visit Zymbiotics recipe page for additional ideas.

Yes. Zymbiotics Naturally Fermented Foods are not pasteurized, do not have any preservatives nor vinegar added,  so they should be kept refrigerated at 41 degrees F. or below to slow the fermentation process and keep them at their best condition. 

Zymbiotics Fermented Foods will last over eighteen months in the refrigerator. Always use a clean spoon or fork to remove our ferments from their jars and then push the solid ferment under the liquid to help keep it at its best.

All of Zymbiotics Fermented Foods are dairy and gluten free.

Zymbiotics vegan and kosher products are: Zauerkraut, Zarrots, Beetz and Vegan Zimchi. The only product we make that is Not vegan or kosher is the regular Zimchi.

The traditional Zimchi has fish sauce and the vegan does not have any fish sauce. The sauerkraut, ginger carrots, beets and vegan kimchi are vegan and kosher.

Kimchi is a Korean dish made of naturally fermented vegetables. We use a traditional Korean recipe that has been modified for the American palette, yet has flavorful rich taste and is full of beneficial prebiotic and probiotic nutritional benefits.

Natural kahm yeast can form on some fermented products once they are opened and exposed to air. It is safe to either stir it in or just scoop it out.  Kahm yeast is natural and actually high in B vitamins, so there is no need to discard your ferment. Just be happy and enjoy!