It’s Time to Go Rogue! The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Homemade Probiotic Rich Foods
Have you ever heard of probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They are often found in food and supplements, but did you know you can make your own at home?
What Are Probiotic Rich Foods?
Probiotic rich foods are foods that contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria can help to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and even improve mood. Some common probiotic rich foods include:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
Why Should You Make Your Own Probiotic Rich Foods?
While it may be easy to buy probiotic rich foods at your local grocery store, making your own has several benefits:
- It’s more cost effective.
- You have more control over the ingredients.
- You can tailor the flavors to your liking.
- You can experiment with different recipes and techniques.
- You’ll have fresher, healthier options.
Getting Started
Before you can make your own probiotic rich foods, you’ll need to have some supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Glass jars
- Cheesecloth or coffee filters
- A thermometer
- A large mixing bowl
- Airtight containers
Recipes to Try
Ready to start making your own probiotic rich foods? Here are a few recipes to try:
Homemade Yogurt
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt with live active cultures
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it reaches 180°F. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to 110°F.
- Mix the plain yogurt into the milk.
- Pour the mixture into glass jars and cover with cheesecloth or coffee filters.
- Place the jars in a warm spot, around 110°F, for 6-12 hours, or until the yogurt has thickened to your liking.
- Refrigerate the yogurt for at least 2 hours before enjoying.
Homemade Kombucha
Ingredients:
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tea bags
- 1 cup plain, unflavored kombucha
- 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- Add the tea bags and steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled mixture into a glass jar and add the plain, unflavored kombucha.
- Add the SCOBY to the jar, making sure it is submerged.
- Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the jar in a warm spot, around 75-85°F, for 7-10 days