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Mead – 5 Things You Need to Know (And a Recipe)

July 4, 2019 By Laurie Neverman Leave a Comment

Mead may be the world's oldest alcoholic beverage. Many modern versions are just for enjoyment, but we'll show you why (and how) to brew old school (naturally fermented) mead.

Why naturally fermented? Beyond the unique flavor possibilities of wild ferments, they also have probiotic and potential medicinal qualities. In a world where antibiotic resistant bacteria are becoming a growing problem, our old ally and “drink of the gods” may come to our rescue again.

Holiday Kombucha Flavors for Unique Seasonal Drinks

December 14, 2018 By Laurie Neverman 13 Comments

Since I brew my own kombucha, I'm always experimenting with different ideas for how to flavor it. In this post, I share some fun ideas for holiday kombucha flavors for a unique seasonal brew.

For those who've never sampled kombucha, as my grandmother used to say, “Try it, you might like it!” Fermented foods (and drinks) are wonderful for helping digestion – especially this time of year when we may be eating a little less healthy at holiday parties.

Protect Yourself from Salmonella and E Coli Naturally

November 21, 2018 By Laurie Neverman 20 Comments

Are you wondering when the next massive round of food-borne illness will occur?

It seems like every time you turn on the news there's another food recall. If you check the FDA food recall list, there are literally dozens of products listed at any given time. Big gatherings where food sits out for hours – for instance, potlucks – often end up with people ill from some degree of food poisoning. There are ways you can help protect yourself from salmonella and e coli naturally.

Note: This article contains advice on general food safety and boosting your immune system. It is for general information purposes only.If you are experiencing severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea or other complications, please consult your healthcare practitioner immediately! I am not a doctor, I am only sharing what works for me and my family.

How to Brew and Flavor Water Kefir “Soda Pop”

March 5, 2017 By Laurie Neverman 37 Comments

Water kefir is a great way to kick the soda habit, and an easy way to get more probiotics into your diet. My kids like it better than kombucha, because it has a milder, less acidic flavor. (Compare water kefir and kombucha.) There's still a certain muskiness to it from the fermentation. You're not going to pass this off as regular soda, but it makes a nice, naturally carbonated option for those of us who avoid sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners. Once you purchase your grains, you should be able to continue culturing indefinitely. It's much cheaper than buying soda or carbonated water, and healthier, too. [Read more…] about How to Brew and Flavor Water Kefir “Soda Pop”

Water Kefir Versus Kombucha – Which one is better?

March 4, 2017 By Laurie Neverman 92 Comments

Water kefir verus kombucha, which is better?

This is a question I've heard a number of times. My kids like the flavor of water kefir soda better than kombucha tea, but I generally prefer the kombucha myself, and my husband will drink either, depending on the flavor.

Water kefir is quicker to brew than kombucha tea – unless you do a continuous ferment, in which case you can draw off kombucha every day. Some people find water kefir is more consistent, my kombucha tends to be more consistent. Some people feel guilty about excess scobys, I have been able to give most of mine away, or I simply compost them. A few I've used to treat skin ailments, such as my son's cradle cap. (Read The SCOBY Cure.) (DON'T FLUSH YOUR SCOBY! It may just be able to grow in your septic system and cause big problems.) [Read more…] about Water Kefir Versus Kombucha – Which one is better?