Who doesn't know kimchi? Because of the surge in the popularity of Korean dramas, we are sure that every person is familiar with this vegetable. Fermented veggies are one kind of cuisine that may be found in this category.


It is feasible to produce fermented veggies at home, making them a terrific option for a side dish, condiment, or snack high in probiotics. The lacto-fermentation process that fermented vegetables go through lengthens the time they remain shelf-stable and may help minimize the amount of wasted food. Fermented vegetables are used in various popular condiments and side dishes, including kimchi from Korea and sauerkraut from the United States. Other fermented foods include kombucha, kefir, and sourdough, all high in probiotics.


Consuming fermented veggies, as well as other fermented foods, has been shown to have positive effects on one's health. The technique for preserving food works to prevent the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria while simultaneously fostering the expansion of good bacteria, sometimes known as lactobacillus or probiotics. Fermentation of vegetables may also result in a rise in the levels of certain nutrients and enzymes, or at the very least, in their preservation. This makes a more significant number of vegetables easier to digest, which is beneficial to the health of the digestive tract.


In addition to sauerkraut and kimchi, the market also sells a variety of other fermented vegetables for consumers to enjoy. Take a look at this.


Kefir


Kefir is a fermented milk product consistent with drinkable yogurt and may be manufactured from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk. The consumption of kefir results in increased levels of several beneficial nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes, and probiotics.


Since well over 3,000 years ago, people have been consuming kefir. The word "feeling good" originally came from Russia and Turkey, where it was used to describe kefir.


Kombucha


A fermented beverage known as kombucha is created from black tea and sugar (which may come from various sources, including cane sugar, fruit, or honey). It has a colony of bacteria and yeast that, when coupled with sugar, will begin the fermentation process and be responsible for the production of alcohol.


Sauerkraut


The origins of sauerkraut may be traced back at least 2,000 years to the cuisines of Germany, Russia, and China, making it one of the most historically significant dishes consumed today. Even though the word sauerkraut translates to "sour cabbage" in German, the Germans weren't the ones who invented the dish in the first place.


The fermented product known as sauerkraut is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, K, and B. It may be made from either green or red cabbage. In addition, it is an excellent source of magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, and sodium.


Pickles


You didn't suppose pickles had any probiotics, did you? Pickles that have been fermented include a wealth of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and probiotic bacteria that benefit the digestive tract. Most pickles sold in stores are produced using vinegar and cucumbers; however, even though this imparts a sour flavor to the pickles, it does not result in fermentation in the natural sense. Cucumbers and brine (salt and water) are necessary for making fermented pickles.


When picking out a jar of pickles, you should opt for "lactic acid fermented pickles" created by a company that employs organic materials and brine, stores the pickles in the refrigerator, and specifies on the label that the pickles have been fermented.


Miso


The fungus koji is used to produce miso, a form of fermented soybean, barley, or brown rice paste. It is often used in traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly in the preparation of miso soup. Since around 2,500 years ago, it has been a mainstay in the diets of the Chinese and the Japanese.


Tempeh


Another healthful fermented meal made with soybeans is tempeh, which is produced by mixing soybeans with a tempeh starter. This results in the creation of the tempeh product. It will become a thick, cake-like product once it has been allowed to rest for a day or two, and it will also have a significant amount of protein in addition to the probiotics it contains.


Natto


Natto, which consists of fermented soybeans, is a well-liked food product in Japan. It is usual practice in Japan to blend it with soy sauce, karashi mustard, and Japanese bunching onion, and it may even be occasionally had for breakfast.


Because of the fermenting process, it acquires a pungent odor, a rich taste, and a slimy, sticky texture, all of which are characteristics that not everyone new to natto likes.


Kimchi


Traditional kimchi is a fermented Korean meal produced from various vegetables, including cabbage, and spices such as ginger, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings. Rice bowls, ramen, and bibimbap are all examples of Korean dishes that benefit from their incorporation.


Raw Cheese


Cheeses from raw milk are produced from milk that has not been subjected to the pasteurization. There is an exceptionally high concentration of probiotics in goat milk, sheep milk, and A2 cow's soft cheeses. 


Read the ingredient list carefully and search for cheese that has yet to be pasteurized if you want to locate authentic fermented or aged cheeses. On the label, it should be clearly stated that the cheese is unpasteurized and has matured for at least six months.


Yogurt


Is yogurt only yogurt made from fermented milk? Yes, in most respects.


The fact that yogurt and kefir are two of the most popular types of probiotic meals often consumed by many individuals makes them stand out among other dairy products. The United States and many other developed countries currently eat the most fermented dairy product overall, and that product is yogurt with live active cultures, also known as probiotic yogurt.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. All information in this article is sourced from other websites, and we do not represent any rights regarding the contents and information on the site. All rights belong to their original owner. 


Sources:

  1. Fermented Vegetables: How to Ferment Vegetables - 2023 - MasterClass
  2. 15 Fermented Foods for Healthy Gut and Overall Health - Dr. Axe (draxe.com)