FAQ
- What are the health benefits of fermented foods?
- The fermentation process utilizes probiotics to predigest the veggies to unlock more nutrients. The probiotics remain in the foods and are super healthy for you gut health.
- What are probiotics?
- Probiotics are bacteria that are typically found in your digestive system. Many things in life can kill off the probiotics in our gut, like antibiotics, stress, and an unbalanced diet. Eating foods rich in probiotics can replenish those you've lost which will aid digestion. There's loads of studies out there, but not a lot of them are peer-reviewed (a verification process) so for now we'll just say probiotics aid digestion and help you to get the most out of the food you eat.
- What are prebiotics?
- Prebiotics are what probiotics eat. They’re non-digestable fiber. Think onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, jeruselam artichoke, and whole wheat.
- How do you assure safety in your products?
- All ferments are tested for the appropriate pH before packaged and made in a commercial kitchen. We are regulated by NCDA.
- Are fermented foods safe for pregnant and breastfeeding ladies?
- Fermented foods with a safe pH (below 4.6 pH) are totally safe to eat, but of course check with your doctor.
- How much sauerkraut or kimchi should I eat?
- If you’re not used to probiotics and fermented foods try adding 1 tablespoon of Kimchi or Kraut to 1 meal a day. You can increase as you like. Most kraut-lovers eat ¼ cup with each meal and report feeling great!
- Are some sources of fermented foods better to eat than others?
- Different fermented foods contain a different collection of probiotics. For the best digestive health eat many different fermented foods, like kefir, kraut, kimchi and yogurt.
- Does heat from cooking kill the probiotics in fermented foods?
- Yes, heat greater than 108 degrees F will destroy the probiotics in fermented foods. However you can still gain a lot of nutrition from your fermented foods. The fermentation process predigests the veggies to make vitamins and minerals more available to your body. Also there is some (as of yet unverified) studies that suggest fermentation can create more vitamins in the fermentation process.
- I’m watching my salt intake, can I still eat sauerkraut and kimchi?
- Yes! Most salt eaten by Americans, like table salt, is depleted of minerals. Fermentology uses Redmonds Real Salt which is a superfood full of critical minerals and trace elements. Use Fermentology ferments in place of salt in your meals, use kraut instead of high salt (and sugar) condiments, and use the liquid in your salad dressings instead of salt.
- What’s this tiny bit of blue in my ferment?
- That’s fermented garlic. When garlic is fermented it can react to any available copper (maybe from the other veggies or the water if it’s in a brine) and turn a beautiful blue color!
- How long are Fermentology products fermented for?
- We ferment for 14 days for a fantastic probiotic profile and crisp taste.
- I made some of my own ferments and it smells weird, can I still eat it?
- Of course, “when in doubt, throw it out” but there are a couple different things that will happen to ferments. Flakey white film on top could be benign Kahm Yeast. However if there is ever any colored mold, your should not eat that.
- How should I store this?
- In the fridge with the top on. Your ferments will last for at least 6 months.
- In the fridge with the top on. Your ferments will last for at least 6 months.
- Are these pickled?
- The term ‘pickled’ can refer to 2 different things: one involves a vinegar brine, which does not contain probiotics. The other is a pickle created in a brine rich in the bacteria Lacto bacillius which may taste a little vinegary, due to naturally occurring vinegar, normal to the fermentation process.
- The term ‘pickled’ can refer to 2 different things: one involves a vinegar brine, which does not contain probiotics. The other is a pickle created in a brine rich in the bacteria Lacto bacillius which may taste a little vinegary, due to naturally occurring vinegar, normal to the fermentation process.
- What is the difference between Kimchi and Sauerkraut?
- Mostly the ingredients and the methods. Kimchi originated in Korean, Sauerkraut in Germany.
- What does Lacto-fermentation mean?
- This term means that fermentation was carried out by Lacto bacillius.
- Who should eat fermented foods?
- Everyone can benefit from eating fermented foods rich in probiotics.
- Everyone can benefit from eating fermented foods rich in probiotics.
- Who should not eat fermented foods?
- Folks who are receiving chemotherapy treatments and those who have had part of their intestines removed should consult their doctor first.
- Folks who are receiving chemotherapy treatments and those who have had part of their intestines removed should consult their doctor first.
- Are Fermentology ferments vegan?
- As of April 1st 2018, all products made by Fermentology are vegan, that's when we stopped putting fish sauce in Red Kimchi.
- As of April 1st 2018, all products made by Fermentology are vegan, that's when we stopped putting fish sauce in Red Kimchi.
- I’m doing a low-carb diet, can I eat fermented foods?
- Fermented foods are perfect (and recommended) in all low-carb diets. During the fermentation process the bacteria digest available sugars, then the simple carbs, then some of the more complex carbs!
- Can I return your jars?
- Yes! Just return jars to any Farmers Market that Fermentology Foods participates in.
- Yes! Just return jars to any Farmers Market that Fermentology Foods participates in.
- Do you offer classes?
- Yes! Subscribe to our social media and newsletter and you’ll hear about all up and coming classes.
- I want to eat this whole pint, is that safe to do?
- If your gut is used to probiotics and fermented foods you’ll be fine. If you never eat fermented foods and probiotics you may experience some bubbly feelings, which are totally ok but an indicator that your gut is experiencing beneficial change!
- Do you bury your kimchi?
- Per our regulations with NCDA, we cannot sell kimchi that we’ve buried.