Nowadays we are constantly reminded how important good probiotics, digestive enzymes and vitamins are. No doubt consumed as part of natural products, all these are a lot more beneficial to the body than taken as supplements full of synthetic ingredients and additives.
Lacto-fermented foods are real, nourishing, packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and beneficial bacteria much needed for a healthy digestive system, immune system support and optimal nutrition. This is one of the oldest and most popular ways of preserving food for a reason and generation after generation had ripped the benefits of regularly having such foods. A small amount goes a long way in balanced nutrition, but the acidic taste can be more difficult to introduce to young children, especially if there is no cultural or family tradition of consuming these types of food. Good news: it is never too late or too early for a change.
How can you make lacto-fermented foods appealing to your young kids?
Start early
As soon as your kids are old enough to eat solid foods you can start introducing them to the sour taste of fermented foods. Don’t forget that naturally kids prefer sweet taste, so start with just a lick or a bite and do not get discouraged if they turn their heads away. Patience and persistence will pay off.
Unleash your imagination
- Use kefir, buttermilk or homemade yogurt to make smoothies. Add an assortment of fruit and you will be offering a healthy and delicious portable breakfast.
- Kids love burgers and hot dogs, so make your own ketchup and relish. When making burgers throw in the ground meat some gingered carrots, finely chopped dill pickles or sauerkraut – your burgers will have your unique and healthy signature.
- Chips and dip are kids’ favourites. Instead of expensive, store bought dips, make your own. It’s easy and rewarding.
Here a few easy recipes that not only your kids, but your whole family will love.
Ketchup
Ingredients:
2 176 ml cans tomato paste
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. allspice
½ tsp. ground basil
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. corn syrup
2 1/2 cups water
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and gently simmer, stirring often, for about 20 minutes or until the mixture gets the right consistency.
Sweet Relish
Ingredients:
4 cups cucumbers, de-seeded and finely chopped
2 cups onions, chopped
1 cup each green and red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup celery salt
3 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon celery seed
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
Preparation:
Put all the vegetables in a large bowl, sprinkle with the salt, cover with cold water and let stand for 2 hours. Drain vegetables well, pressing out as much liquid as possible. In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar and seeds, bring to a boil and add vegetables. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Tangy Dip
Ingredients:
1 can 540 ml beans (any kind is good for this recipe)
3 tbsp. sauerkraut
5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. ground savory
black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Wash and drain well the beans, put in a food processor together with the sauerkraut. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
Serve as a dip or use as sandwich spread.
Along with creativity, a great attitude will help you launch and enrich your family health goals to success. Enjoy!
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Renata Shishkova is a mother and a grandmother, a writer and an artist from Toronto, Canada. She holds a Master’s degree and has a strong interest and background in nature, healthy living and wellness, and the challenges of parenting. You can read her insights at http://blog.kytephone.com
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.
