Kvass And Rejuvelac – Top 12 Fermented Foods
Foods that Heal – Foods that Maintain Weight Loss
Yesterday I introduced you to Chicha and Buttermilk. Both of these wonderful drinks are steeped in tradition, and brewed in every imaginable way. Every mother in the countries where they originated had their own secret methods — and every young women was taught the “family’s special secret recipe” to carry on the tradition, which most do to this day.
Today we journey to Ukraine for Kvass, and discover a Lithuanian-American woman’s nutritive invention to update an old Romanian recipe — Rejuvelac.
10. Kvass
Kvass is one of the oldest drinks still in continuous use. It is said to be a 5,000 year old traditional way to make use of stale bread.
Today, it is made from the natural fermentation of new bread, usually black or regular rye, sometimes flavored with fruit, berries, or raisins.
Kvass made from beets is also a wonderful, and new taste, that many Americans make in their own homes. You don’t have to love beets to love the beet version of Kvas. Get beet Kvas recipes here:
Many people across a wide swath of Eastern Europe make Kvass at home, both as a refreshing drink to keep on hand, and also as a health tonic.
In the last few years it has become so popular it is now bottled and canned, and sold commercially like colas and beer. (Photos courtesy Wikipedia.)
Here is a great bread Kvass Recipe from a true believer.
9. Rejuvelac
Made from raw, sprouted grains, you get a double dose of great health benefits from Rejuvelac because it is made from sprouts, AND is fermented.
Ms. Wigmore was a strong advocate for sprouted and raw food, and became an early pioneer and advocate for the use of sprouted, raw wheatgrass for detoxifying and for healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
In her autobiography, “Why Suffer?: How I Overcame Illness & Pain Naturally,” Ms. Wigmore recalls observing her grandmother using herbs and natural remedies as a child in Lithuania.
Learn how to make Rejuvelac here.
You can also get a printable recipe and read the fascinating story behind Rejuvelac and Ann Wigmore, its creator, here. Scroll down that page to get the recipe.
Want more? See a good video about how and why to make Rejuvelac here.
Rejuvelac is a welcome and amazingly healthy addition to the menu of fermented foods you ought to consider when you are trying to lose weight, and keep it off.
Tomorrow: We shall make 8. Dill Pickles, and 7. Coconut or Greek Almond Yogurt.
Top 12 Fermented Foods
Foods that Heal – Foods that Maintain Weight Loss
Here’s a List to the Top 12 Fermented Foods Admired Throughout the World
• Fermented Foods that Heal & Maintain Weight
• Chicha and Buttermilk
• Kvass and Rejuvelac
• Pickles and Yogurt
• Kimchi and Tempeh
• Miso and Kefir
• Cabbage and Cambucha
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wow how wonderful I am going to try it ty
I will have to take your word for it that a drink made out of stale bread could be good for you. Actually there is way too much sugar plus the natural sugar in the raisins plus the carbs which turn directly into sugar for me to even contemplate making and drinking this–too much for a diabetic. I do not doubt its health benefits but I think I will pass–bring on the pickles!!
Gotta agree with Michele here…..not my cup of tea but respect those who enjoy this drink…
These are new to me, will have to bookmark for later.
My mom likes fermented food. I am not so much the fan. It’s a super interesting article though!
Hmmm, I’m not sure what to think of this! I’m all about finding healthful ways to live, but honestly my mouth was not watering with this post! I think I will just continue eating my vegetables 😉 Thank you for the info!
Oooo this sounds so interesting. I’m trying to be more helathy so I’d like to try this.
This is not something i know about.. but i would like to figure it out.. thanks!
I have never heard of either of these before. They sound really interesting! I am visiting a brewery this weekend that also sells some kind of fermented juice, so I’m looking to give it a try 🙂
This is pretty interesting. I saw a TV show with fermented foods as well. I am not quite sure how I feel about it. lol.
So interesting to learn about this. I have never heard of it before.
I have never heard of this before. This is a very interesting article and I definitely will look into it further.
This seems very interesting! Who knew there could be a good use for stale bread :D?
This is an area I knew absolutely nothing about. I appreciate all the info you’re sharing here.
NOW I know what Kvass is. I’ve seen it before in Romania. But I never drink anything unless I KNOW what it is so I’ve never tried it. Maybe I’ll give it a shot if I ever get to return. Thanks!
I have never tried or heard of some of these. I have be on the look out for them.
How much would kvass typically cost? Based on your description, I’m sensing it would be expensive.
Very interesting! I love to hear about the history behind the foods we eat or drink. I have a friend who makes beer out of his bathtub, thought it was weird. It kinda looks like he has a meth lab going in there but the fermenting process can get really crazy I guess.
Sounds intersting. I normally have heard of your items before, but not this time. looking forward to learning more.
I haven’t heard of those before. I am going to have to look into fermented food and drinks more. It is interesting.
Veryyy interesting. I haven’t heard of several of these before. Thanks for sharing!
Some of them I never head before. Thanks for sharing these foods!
I’m not sure these would be my drinks of choice, but I love coming to your site and learning about new foods and their health benefits!
Not my thing and probably not a good choice for a diabetic like me but interesting to read about.
Definitely not my cup of tea but it’s always interesting to see what other people find enjoyable.
This is my very first time hearing about it. I like to hear/learn new tings.
My family is Eastern European and my great grandmother made a version of this drink. I didn’t like it then, so I never was inspired to learn how to make it. I may have to try again — it might not be the same recipe, but I’m sure it’ll be close. Thanks for sharing this information and bringing back fond memories of my grandma’s kitchen.
Good recipes, but I’ll be back tomorrow for the dill pickles one!
I didn’t realize that Kvass has been around for 5000 years! I’d never heard of Rejuvelac before. Thanks for the information!
Thanks for sharing. I have never heard of this before. It is so interesting to learn about new food and drinks from other cultures.
Sooo….I’ve never tried any of these. I think i’ve been living under a rock.
interesting post! it’s my first time to hear Kvass and am willing to try it! i enjoy experimenting with food and beverage especially rare find ones
Had not heard of kvass before today! Would be nice to try some!
Interesting… never heard of this before. Not sure what I think about it, but I appreciate learning about it. Thanks.
This is interesting. I am normally up for trying new things but I only drink water and black ice coffee. I have working hard on losing weight and in doing so I pretty much cut out all added sugars. We rarely have sugar in the house. I think I would have to pass on this drink
I ferment cabbage and pickles, have a batch on the counter now. Bookmarking this to come back and try some of these recipes. I love eating fermented food, I really notice it in my belly! No bloating.