If you haven’t explored fermented foods, your gut will thank you for reading on. Fermented foods have not only probiotics but also enzymes, B-vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids. There’s such a variety of ways to get your “ferment” on these days, and you don’t have to be a fan of the sour stuff. Who knew it was more than just pickles and sauerkraut?
Kevita | Sparkling Probiotic Drink: Lemon Cayenne
HE SAID: Don’t let the big hot pepper on the label scare you off. This lemon cayenne drink tasted like low-sugar lemonade with a faint spiciness in the aftertaste. The bubbles, on the other hand, are no joke. This is one of the most effervescent drinks I’ve ever come across. The bubbles actually made me cough on the first sip.
He gave it: ★★★★★
SHE SAID: Much easier to drink than kombucha; this was like drinking a tasty bubbly lemonade. Only after about four sips did I feel a lively tingling in the back of my throat – that cayenne sneaks up on you! Worth it for the health benefits, though, and overall a refreshing, lowcalorie way to armor up your gut!
She gave it: ★★★★
Firefly Kitchens | Ruby Red Kraut
HE SAID: It’s my opinion that no bratwurst is complete without a some of this zesty pickled cabbage on top. This particular kraut was one of the best I’ve ever had. It had a great crunch and a delicious vinegar zing. Plus, it had a unique purple color that would add a nice splash of color to any dish.
He gave it: ★★★★★
SHE SAID: Other than the fact that this purple kraut would look striking on any plate, it actually tasted great, too! It had a bit more bite than other krauts I’ve had and was an interesting mix of cabbage, beets, carrots and green onion. Darn delicious alone, but I’ll be trying this on a variety of foods.
She gave it: ★★★★
Forager Project | Dairy-Free Drinkable Cashewgurt: Wild Blueberry
HE SAID: What’s not to like about yogurt you can drink? Or in this case, Cashewgurt, which is an extra creamy cashew milk mixed with an extensive list of live active probiotic cultures. The best part is that our kids absolutely love this stuff, and they will ask for this over most other drinks. Little do they know it’s really good for them. Parenting win!
He gave it: ★★★★★
SHE SAID: If you’re a fan of probiotics and smoothies but not the tart flavor of “milkgurt” and dairy kefir, Cashewgurt is here to save the day! Loaded with kefir cultures, an ultra-smooth texture and a mild blueberry flavor, it’s sure to please. More blueberry wouldn’t hurt, however.
She gave it: ★★★★
Farmhouse Culture | Orange Ginger Carrots
HE SAID: These orange ginger carrots were an interesting twist on traditional sauerkraut. They were tasty overall, but the fermented sour taste almost eclipses the orange flavor completely. There was a surprisingly nice ginger bite in the aftertaste. The biggest difference between this kraut and its cabbage counterpart is that the carrots don’t hold up as well. The result in a mushy texture, which was a bummer.
He gave it: ★★★
SHE SAID: These reminded me of those sad, droopy pickles on a fast-food burger. The carrots tasted sour like a pickle but were softer than they should be. They’d be a bit better off without the orange and ginger flavors – I have no idea what to add these to because I just can’t eat them alone.
She gave it: ★★
Lightlife | Organic Tempeh: Flax
HE SAID: The back of the bag said to fry the tempeh in oil and soy sauce, but I wanted to know how these tasted on their own. Boy, do I regret that. This stuff had zero flavor, other than a slightly nutty flax-seed aftertaste. My tastebuds were like, “Hey, we know you’re chewing something, but we got nothing to do here, so we’re going on break!” I added some soy sauce on the second go round, and it brightened them up a lot. You’ll definitely need to dress them up.
He gave it: ★★
SHE SAID: At first look, this unique food did not seem appetizing whatsoever (and definitely don’t read about how it’s made – fungus?!). Surprisingly, after following simple cooking directions, the sliced soybean, brown rice and flax “brick” browned right up to a crispy texture. The flavor was like a combination of sunflower seeds and white beans. Satisfying, interesting, filling, and dare I say — tasty. Just don’t forget the sauce!
She gave it: ★★★★
Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart.
See more product reviews at greenlivingaz.com/hgsg
