Orcas Food Co-op education opportunity: fabulous kefir fermentation
Published 1:30 am Monday, August 19, 2019
The following was submitted by the Orcas Island Food Co-op.
Join Regina Zwilling at the Odd Fellows Kitchen for a workshop on Aug. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to learn how to make traditional kefir. Regina will touch on the history, various methods and many health benefits of fermentation. Participants will get hands-on experience in making dairy, coconut and water kefir, sample freshly made kefir and take home kefir grains.
Kefir is a traditionally cultured dairy product that is one of the most probiotic-rich foods known. The homemade version is easy to make and far outweighs store-bought kefir in terms of health benefits. Store-bought kefir often contains added sugars and does not contain the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria and yeast that homemade kefir boasts. Kefir has been shown to provide the following benefits: boosted immunity; improved bone strength; a possible aid in fighting cancer; reduced digestive difficulties and helps combat IBS; improved allergy symptoms; and more. Like traditional dairy kefir, water kefir is made from “grains” of bacteria and yeast, also commonly known as a SCOBY. As the name implies, it is made from water. The water needs a source of carbohydrates to feed the SCOBY, usually from sugar or fruit juice. The SCOBY produces a lightly fizzy beverage that is low in sugars and contains many beneficial probiotics.
Space is limited. Preregistration required: https://www.zwillinghealth.com/events/. Register now to save with the early bird prices $25-$30, available through Aug. 22.
