Resources

Here you will find books, ingredients, cultures, equipment, supplies, and other items that may be helpful as you explore and prepare fermented foods.  I hope the information here will be helpful and may save you some time you might otherwise have spent searching.  This list is not exhaustive, but it will continue to grow as I find new products I like.

Some of My Favorite Books:

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermentation by Wardeh Harmon- This excellent book on fermentation is written by the owner and teacher at GNOWFGLINS.com, which is an excellent traditional foods blog, which also offers excellent eCourses and books.  I subscribe to her eCourses and have learned so much from them.  I use them almost daily and highly recommend them.

Cultured Food for Life by Donna Schwenk

Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods by Sandor Katz

Cultures:

Kombucha SCOBY:  This is the culture (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) that is used as a starter for kombucha, sometimes called kombucha tea, which is a probiotic beverage.  You grow a new “baby” SCOBY every time you make a batch of kombucha. (Learn how to make your own kombucha tea here.)

Milk Kefir Grains:  These are the grains that are used to culture or ferment milk kefir, which is a pourable dairy probiotic food.  These are not grains but are a colony of bacteria and yeast.  These contain many more stains of probiotics than yogurt.  These grains can last indefinitely with proper care. (Learn how to make your own milk kefir here.)

Body Ecology Kefir Starter: A powdered starter to use in making milk kefir, which includes six packets.  Each packet will make one batch. One-quarter cup of the first batch can be reused to make the next batch.  This can be done for seven batches, after which you need to use another packet of starter.

Water Kefir Grains (sometimes called Tibicos):  These are the grains used to ferment water kefir, a probiotic beverage that is sometimes used as a healthy substitute for soda pop.  These are not grains but consist of beneficial bacteria and yeast.  I have had good luck with both the hydrated and dehydrated grains.  These grains can last indefinitely with proper care.

Caldwell’s Vegetable Starter Culture- This is a starter culture that you may use to start fermented vegetables, if you wish, or if a recipe calls for it.  You know what bacteria and in what amount you are getting in your ferment when you use this product. More of the beneficial bacteria also remain for a longer period of time when using this starter culture.

Useful Equipment:

Case of 12 – 16 oz. EZ Cap Beer Bottles (Amber)- These are heavy flip-cap bottles that are great for second fermentation and storing of kombucha and water kefir.                                  (I have had a lighter-weight flip-top bottle purchased at the grocery store explode and break during the second fermentation of water kefir.  This has never happened with these bottles.)

Kraut Kaps© 3 Pack – Platinum by Primal Kitchen- These are airlocks that fit into plastic canning jar caps.  They are great when pickling or fermenting in canning jars.

Crock Rocks© 3 pack – Ferment Weights for Wide Mouth Jars  by Primal Kitchen- These glass weights are placed on top of fermented fruits or vegetables to hold them under the brine, which prevents the air from getting to and ruining your fermented food.

Crock Rocks© 3 Pack Large – For Boss or Primal Pickler  by Primal Kitchen- These are the larger version of the Ferment Weights for Wide Mouth Jars above.  They work well in larger jars with larger openings and with the Boss or Primal Pickler by Primal Kitchen.

Berkey Water Filter – This filter filters out almost all contaminants but leaves the minerals in the water.  It is so powerful of water purifier that it can be used on untreated or treated water.  I find the taste to be superior to any filtered water I have tasted.  It comes with an optional fluoride filter.  Most filters do not remove fluoride. It is very important to have the purest water possible and to avoid chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride that can interfere with the fermentation process. Pure water is a necessity for good health.  This filter is made out of high grade stainless steel and requires no electricity and can be easily moved (no plumbing required).  It also comes in five different sizes, including a travel size.

Other Useful Products:

Debbie Meyer Green Bags — These bags are for storing produce.  They absorb ethelene gas given off by all fruits and vegetables as they ripen.  These bags help keep your produce fresh longer, so they can save you money. The bags come in various sizes.

Favorite Companies:

One of my favorite places to shop for healthy ingredients and supplements is iHerb.com. The prices, shipping, and customer service are great.  You can get $10 off of your first order by clicking here.  If asked for a code, enter LIP267.

 Find a list of my favorite websites on my Reviews page.

By Tia Lee