Probiotic Tonic

Preserving food through fermentation is an ancient art, one originally used to preserve foods for the months when growing wasn’t an option. The so-called “hungry times” of autumn and winter. 

The method was first believed to have been perfected in China, however, such was its beneficial nature that it spread around the world, presumably on early trade routes. Sauerkraut is a good example. One of the most well-known of fermented foods, the name is German for sour cabbage. However, most cultures throughout the world have some fermented foods in their cuisine.

But why eat fermented foods in this day and age? After all the advances in refrigeration and availability of foods, particularly in Western countries, have made preserving foods unnecessary. The answer is the incredible benefits that fermented foods have for our gut health. 

Studies have shown the effect that the trillions of bacteria that reside in our gut have on our physical and mental health. Good health outcomes occur where “good” bacteria proliferate in the gut over the “bad”.

By changing your diet from a highly-processed, high-sugar diet, which feeds the bad bacteria, to one that is high in probiotics, such as one that includes fermented food, you may help correct the imbalance in favour of the good bugs and help restore health. Combine this with a high-fibre diet, which helps feed the good bacteria in the gut microbiome for benefits on mental, as well as physical, health.

At Gutsy Ferments we’ve got a range of quality fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, bone broth and more. But if these are not quite to your taste, or you’re interested in exploring other probiotic food and drink, then think about trying a probiotic veggie juice tonic.

A probiotic veggie juice is a fermented drink, one that contains live microorganisms. However, the juice that is extracted is made into a healthy, rich alternative to standard smoothies or shakes. Indeed studies have shown beverages based on fruits and vegetables are an excellent medium for probiotics.

“Beverages based on fruits, cereals, vegetables and soybeans have been proposed as new products containing probiotic strains; essentially, fruit and vegetable juices have been reported as a novel suitable carrier medium for probiotic,” according to a study published in the International Food Research Journal.

At Gutsy Ferments we offer the best in fermented foods and drinks. This includes our own marvellous probiotic veggie tonic made with carrots as the foundation (Carrot Kraut Tonic) and our Pepperberry and Kumquat Tonic.

Carrot Kraut Tonic

Naturally higher in carbohydrates than cabbage, carrots make the ideal source of probiotics as the beneficial micro bacteria feed on this and proliferate. The carrots are high in fibre, which aids in gut health, feeding the beneficial bacteria. Carrots are also high in vitamins and contain a wealth of antioxidants, which help protect our cells against damage.

The deliciously fizzy tonic is fermented in oak barrels for four to six weeks, is entirely organic, gluten-free and is a product of Australia, using ingredients from local producers.

As a tonic, the carrot kraut juice is best used straight from the bottle as a refreshing and healthy thirst quencher or as an accompaniment to meals. Try it as a thirst quencher after the gym.

However, the juice is versatile and may also be used as a salad dressing, giving your favourite summer salad a tangy taste and health boost. 

Ingredients: Organic Carrot, Organic Ginger, Organic Turmeric, Organic Grapefruit/Lime, Australian Sea Salt.

Pepperberry and Kumquat Tonic

Fermented for four to six weeks, this is a tonic made from the unique taste of the bush tucker staple, the pepperberry, and the great taste of red cabbage. Kumquat shrub is added to round off the delicious, healthy and gut health-supporting tonic with a citrus-like kick.

Proudly Australian-made, this tonic is organic and sourced from local producers. As well as the benefits to gut health, the red cabbage provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals and is an important source of antioxidants.

Ingredients: Organic Red Cabbage, Wild Harvested Native Pepper Berries, Australian Sea Salt, Organic Kumquat, and Organic Raw Sugar.

Both of our probiotic tonics are a great way to maintain your intake of gut-friendly bacteria in a drink rather than through fermented foods.