Weight loss solutions such as calorie counting, the Times alleged, were out – the outlet called dieting “tacky,” “anti-feminist,” and “arcane.” Instead, whole wellness solutions that focused less on a number on the scale and more on feeling better in your skin were on trend – and it’s exactly this mindset that certified wellness expert Robyn Youkills explores in her new book, “Thin From Within – The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight.”

The book promises from page one that its goal is to show readers how to lose weight, not by simply reducing portions and exercising more, nor even from eating from a prescribed list of foods, but rather from tuning into their own bodies and learning to “heal from the inside out.” The book delivers on this promise.

Youkills offers readers the perfect balance of useful tools for losing weight and overcoming the devastating mindsets that decades of yo-yo dieting have instilled, starting with the four-part “Go with Your Gut” mindset (Go: poop every morning, With: what you eat, Your: take your time, Gut: heal your gut with probiotics, ferments, and Youkills’ own Good Gut Gellies, a combo of apple juice, psyllium husks, and cinnamon).

The “Good Gut Rule of Five” offers a roadmap for creating healthy plates. Gone are the pie charts of meat, veg, and carbs: instead, the book teaches readers to incorporate greens, healthy fats, proteins, fermented foods, and cooked vegetables into every meal. Helpful asides, which are highlighted by multi-colored boxes throughout the book, explore why it’s important to drink water first thing in the morning but not with meals, or when to make the most of your probiotics (hint: at night, when your digestive system is most relaxed). The book also offers tips for self-care in just a few minutes, new and improved shopping lists, and a three-day good gut reset plan to get you off on the right foot.

There are unfortunately a few eyeroll-inducing portions, for instance, when Youkilis attempts to redefine weight as “more than just a number on the scale,” claiming that “weight is a feeling in your body.” While of course, feeling healthy is more important than weight, using the buzzword “weight loss” to discuss feeling fulfilled in your body is more of a confusion in terms than anything else. But this is easily forgiven, given the plethora of useful tools that the book does offer.

Above all, the overarching thesis of the book is for each reader to get in touch with his or her own body: the book asks readers to be forgiving with themselves, find their own intuitive voice, learn to enjoy their food again, and discover which foods are good for their individual microbiome. Tools like the food mood journal and a plethora of healthy gut recipes for all times of day reinforce this message and make the book as much aspirational as it is inspirational.

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The post Go with Your Gut for Weight Loss [Book Review] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Vegan probiotic coconut yogurt is taking center stage, with cult-favorite Coconut Cult at the helm. But the brand isn’t the only player in the game.

The probiotic coconut yogurt hysteria is hard to resist. We’ve all come to terms with vegan yogurt – there are plenty of varieties on grocery store shelves – but now a more appealing element is part of the mix: probiotics. Technically, probiotic-enhanced yogurt is well, the very definition of yogurt, but in these new probiotic coconut yogurt concoctions, producers are putting in a heap of beneficial bacteria, ultimately changing the flavor profile of the yogurt itself. The result is a lightly sour, tangy vegan yogurt that not only delights the taste buds but also works wonders on the digestive system (in other words: you’ll notice). It’s a fad with staying power.

Coconut Cult has been particularly successful this past year, doubling and even tripling, its sales from one month to the next. The company’s Probiotic Coconut Yogurt comes in three flavors: original, coconut cream, and mango cream. Each blend is based in coconut meat and 19 different human strain probiotics.

I have been seeing Coconut Cult jars (literally exploding) all over my favorite health blogger’s Instastories, so when I first saw its jars in stores in NYC for the first time (Dean & Deluca, in my case), I jumped with joy. I fell hard for the hype and wanted a taste. But just as the cashier rang up the glass jar full of promised bowel regularity, she looked at me with a surprised statement-turned-question, “27 dollars?” I politely bowed out of the establishment, my Coconut Cult yogurt dream left unfulfilled and disheartened by the price tag. Is it really worth that much?

Later, when researching more into the product, I realized that I went about it all wrong. Coconut Cult yogurts aren’t to be treated so passively, like a one-time snack that I finish in one sitting. Instead, they should be treated like supplements, of which I consume only two tablespoons at a time. That stretches the painfully-spent $27 across some 16 servings. What do I get in return? Oh, you know, just the casual 50 billion probiotics per serving. It’s a luxury purchase, but at least I can get more life out of it than I initially thought. And, if I treat it like a, well, treat, then I make the purchase only when I’m feeling especially “off” in terms of my regularity.

But that didn’t stop me from looking for Coconut Cult alternatives. I quickly learned that the company isn’t the only brand keeping toilets busy across the nation. The following three probiotic coconut yogurt companies are also making delicious, conscious products that are worth the buck.

3 (More) Probiotic Coconut Yogurt Brands

1. New Earth Superfoods

New Earth Superfoods’ Super Probiotic Coconut Yogurt is non-dairy “living” kefir culture yogurt that offers 200 billion probiotics in every eight ounces. The company is proud to not use any pill and powder probiotics, which it says are largely killed off by stomach acids and don’t survive storage. Prices range from $10 for eight ounces to $28 for 32 ounces. New Earth Superfoods probiotic coconut yogurt is available at select storefronts in California but can be ordered online and shipped to anywhere in the U.S.

2. Coco Rico

Coco Rico coconut yogurts are made from coconuts harvested from the Philippine jungle. The so-called “French Style Coconut Yogurt” is infused with certified vegan probiotics and come in a variety of flavors, including young coconut, vanilla bean, lime, and lemon. A 15.5-ounce jar of Coco Rico hovers just above $20.

3. CocoYo

GTS Living Foods’ CocoYo Living Coconut Yogurt is infused with billions of probiotics, or 25 billion CFUs per one-half cup at the time of bottling. The great thing about CocoYo for me is that they can be purchased for under $10. I found a jar of CocoYo yogurt for just $7. In the realm of regular yogurt, even that is expensive, but relative to other probiotic coconut yogurts on this list, it sure is a steal! The price point has a reason: its probiotics profile isn’t as impressive as that of the other brands. But like the other brands, the ingredients list is super simple: coconut meat, coconut water, and probiotics.

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The secret to a gorgeous glow isn’t all in the skincare. The key is to nourish your skin from the inside out.

We’re all familiar with the skin hangover you get from going overboard on junk food. Breakouts? Check. Dark circles? Double check. What isn’t so clear is why the way we eat affects the way our skin functions so closely. We’re not just talking negative effects either; with the right diet, you can actually work toward healing skin issues, and slow aging.

But don’t just take our word for it! Nutrition and beauty expert Paula Simpson, who is also the brains behind ZSS Skincare, has spent her entire career exploring the deep connection behind the way we eat and the impact it has on our skin. We chatted with her to find out more about essential nutrients skin needs to stay healthy, why a skin condition could be a sign of poor gut health, and got the scoop on the best glow-inducing, wrinkle-fighting foods on the block!

EcoSalon: The road to beautiful skin can be tough! Why is it so important to start from the inside out?

Paula Simpson: Dietary toxins are often stored in skin tissue. A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can build up in our system, especially when the diet lacks certain nutrients impairing our natural ability to neutralize and remove chemicals. Over time they can overload our eliminative organs, causing toxins to be stored in the skin or fat tissue. The typical western diet is acidic and concentrated with simple sugars, chemicals, and preservatives. The combination of a poor diet, lifestyle and environmental pollutants can offset the skin’s natural balance affecting its function and overall appearance.

A plant based, low glycemic and antioxidant-rich diet (similar to the Mediterranean diet,) offers the best source of nutrition because it supports skin cell renewal and metabolism (which slows as we age), alongside antioxidant defense in skin tissue to protect skin from environmental aggressors and internal stressors (such as excess sugar), keeping skin firm and even in tone. This type of diet also provides the right balance of omega fatty acids to support strong skin cell membranes that plump and smooth out skin, bringing out a natural glow and shine to hair.

ES: Sometimes it can feel like despite eating a clean, healthy diet that skin conditions don’t improve. What could be the cause of this?

PS: There is a gut-skin axis. Many chronic skin conditions are correlated with digestive health (i.e. leaky gut syndrome, food allergens, harmful bacteria overgrowth within the gut,) that can depress skin immunity and offset normal skin function and structure. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between increased oxidative stress, bacterial overgrowth, and chronic skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema. Consuming a plant-based, high fiber diet with lacto-fermented foods along with dietary supplements and pre/probiotics may help neutralize toxic by-products, defend the lining of the intestine, increasing the bioavailability of nutrients and protect against infectious microbes. Promoting the health of the digestive system and can be a primary defense to restore health and balance of your skin.

ES: Which simple easy sources do you recommend to get a daily dose of good bacteria to positively impact the gut-skin axis (and are any of them vegan)?

PS: Definitely! Plant-heavy diets, in general, improve microbial diversity. Focusing on plant-based foods with pre and probiotic rich foods can build and balance a healthy skin barrier and microbiome. Prebiotic foods help build good microflora, such as fermented sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, and pickled veggies. Probiotic rich foods include live-cultured yogurt, kefir, miso or kimchi!

ES: While that covers skin conditions, there’s one thing none of us can avoid – aging! What beautifying foods you can easily introduce into your diet to keep skin youthful?

PS: Wrinkles are rooted from within. Aging is, of course, a natural progression, but our diets and lifestyle we choose can make our skin age faster. The most visible effect of skin aging occurs when there is a weakening in the structural foundation of skin within the deeper dermal layers (collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans). Visibly, skin becomes thinner losing its smoothness and structural strength and elasticity. When this connective tissue is healthy and strong, nutrients and oxygen can easily reach skin tissue while efficiently removing toxins and wastes. This is the site where new skin cells are produced then pushed towards the epidermal (outer) skin layer, keeping skin plump and healthy.

By adding certain protein-rich foods to your diet, you can promote a healthier rate of collagen renewal and protect your skin from premature aging. Mineral copper that is found in nuts, raisins, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, lobster, and oysters facilitates collagen production and therefore should be included in your diet. Lastly, be sure to include foods rich in Vitamin C as it is essential for collagen synthesis. Some top collagen boosting foods include; poultry, eggs (particularly egg whites,) cod, crab, lobster, oysters, oranges, tomatoes, lemons, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, sunflower and sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, adzuki, kidney, chickpeas, seaweed (spirulina, dulse).

Seeking out antioxidant-rich foods is also key! As we get older, our bodies become less efficient in neutralizing harmful free radicals that may permanently damage healthy cells (including skin cells.) Clinical studies have shown that catechins from green tea, anthocyanins from berries and red cabbage, bioflavonoids from citrus, carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein from tomatoes, and resveratrol from red wine offer potent secondary antioxidants that protect the skin cells from free radical damage. By including these types of foods more often in the diet, their additional antioxidant protection can support skin health particularly with regards to photoprotection.

ES: Are there any new superfoods on the block you think will be big this year in the beauty world?

PS: Spices are hot right now! Paprika is rich in zeaxanthin, which is a fantastic free radical fighter, especially when it comes to skin. Although other dietary sources include dark greens like kale and spinach, the purified and concentrated amounts from paprika pepper have been shown more effective to help protect the skin from premature photoaging and bring out a natural radiance and glow

Turmeric is another big one. It is a great detoxifier with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives it its yellow color and promotes liver and digestive health while calming the skin. Turmeric has also been used in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia, a scalp condition caused by inflammation that damages the hair follicles and prevents the growth of new hair. Try adding turmeric to foods more often. A dash of turmeric brings color and flavor to rice, soups, root vegetables or eggs.

Let’s not forget ginger, too. Active constituents found in the rhizome and root may offer a soothing and calming effect to the skin. When it comes to hair, ginger has long been used in ayurvedic medicine as a hair treatment. The antiseptic properties help to combat dandruff and the natural source of vitamins, minerals, and essential oils help to rebuild thinning dull hair.

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The post How to Eat Your Way to Glowing Skin (and a Happy Gut!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ok. We are not talking putting placenta or urine on your face, here. But there are some pretty strange cosmetic ingredients out there. Find out which are worth it and where to save your hard earned cash.

Some women (and men, for that matter) would do almost anything to stay young looking and gorgeous. But how far down on the weird ingredient scale are you willing to go for great skin?

5 Weird (but Wonderful) Cosmetic Ingredients for Healthy Skin

1. Charcoal: Not new to the beauty scene, but some may still have trouble seeing it as part of their skincare routine. Activated charcoal (charcoal infused with oxygen) is the type used in skincare. It is super absorbent and very good at drawing impurities out of the skin, making it an ideal choice for those dealing with acne. It also tightens skin and reduces inflammation, which is why you’ll see it in anti-aging products. Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask, One Love Organics The Cleansing Sponge: Bamboo Charcoal Heart, May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver

2. Fermented ingredients: Yes, probiotics are all the rage right about now. And for good reason. They tone down inflammation and have antibacterial properties. They’ve also been shown to create a barrier on skin that blocks dirt and bacteria, helping to prevent breakouts. Obvi, these ingredients are great for acne and premature aging. The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner, One Love Organics Oh Mega Calming Chia Oil, Marie Veronique Redness Relief Serum, Marie Veronique Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist

3. Bamboo: Why on earth would you ever need bamboo in cosmetics? Bamboo extract and powder are ultra-absorbent, and often added to natural deodorants and facial powders to help soak up wetness. These fibers also work in haircare to help pump up the volume. Briogeo Hair Care Be Gentle, Be Kind Sulfate Free Shampoo, One Love Organics Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder, ILIA Beauty Fade Into You Finishing Powder

4. Dead Sea Mud: Mud is just mud, right? Nope. Mud from the Dead Sea is high in minerals and vital nutrients that carry oxygen to skin cells, improving tone and elasticity, promoting a youthful appearance. It is also excellent for drawing toxins out of the skin, and calms acne and other irritated skin conditions. Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap, B Leaf Botanics Revive Dead Sea Mud Mask

5. Salt: We may use it most days, but on our skin? Yep. Sea salt is rejuvenating, toning down inflammation and softening dry or rough skin. It is also another skin detoxifier and boosts circulation, boosting glow factor. Aster & Bay Bathing Salts Clary Sage + Grapefruit, Earth Tu Face Dead Sea Salt Scrub, Earth Tu Face Rosemary + Salt Lotion

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 5 Weird Cosmetic Ingredients That Actually Work appeared first on EcoSalon.

Natural probiotics are popping up everywhere. Here are 6 unusual places you might find them.

Okay, so we’re all familiar with the importance of natural probiotics for gut health (those Activia commercials make indigestion look so fun, don’t they?) – and word has it they’re also being used in a number of wild and wacky (but apparently effective) ways. Let’s explore them, shall we?

Here are 6 unusual uses for natural probiotics:

1. Cleaning your home

The idea behind natural probiotics in household cleaners is that our cleaning products tend to temporarily sterilize the area you’ve cleaned, but there’s nothing to prevent the pathogenic bacteria from sprouting up again. By using cleaning supplies that contain probiotics, you’re essentially giving your home a shot of “good” bacteria to protect it from the “bad.”

2. Healing cuts and scrapes

Natural probiotics may also come in handy for minor injuries, like small cuts and scrapes, to keep them infection-free and reduce inflammation.

3. Maintaining oral health

Bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of icky bacteria in your mouth, so it adds up that adding natural probiotics to your oral health routine – like probiotic-spiked mouthwash or toothpaste – could help stave off a case of the nasties. There’s even a case built on the potential benefits of probiotic chewing gum. For real.

4. Fighting nasal congestion

Also coming to a medicine cabinet near you: Natural probiotics may help treat sinus congestion and other sinus issues. One study found that a probiotic supplement helped decrease “bad” bacteria in nasal passages, while another found it helped to reduce hay fever symptoms.

5. Improving skin

“Probiotics” has become a big buzz word in the beauty biz (try saying that five times fast!), and using them topically has become known as the new frontier. “The American Academy of Dermatology has called probiotics one of the new beauty breakthroughs, as they’ve been shown to help with clearer skin, decreased skin sensitivity, redness, and inflammation,” says Dr. Roshini Raj, board certified gastroenterologist and founder of TULA Skincare. “You may also see a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increased elasticity.”

6. Removing pet odors and stains

It’s been discussed through the grapevine that natural probiotics are great for removing stains – simply open a capsule and rub onto the affected area. Apparently, it’s especially effective removing pet odors and stains, because it’s the only type of cleaner that can penetrate through biofilm: An invisible layer that protects “bad” bacteria (which probably explains why, even after cleaning a pet stain, it never feels truly gone).

What other unusual uses for natural probiotics have you heard of?

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The post 6 Unusual Uses for Natural Probiotics appeared first on EcoSalon.

Can taking probiotics reduce hay fever symptoms?

Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in dealing with regularity, colicky babies, weight loss, and staving off infection. It seems amping up your immune system with the aid of probiotics can do a lot for our overall health. And now, a new study has shown that seasonal allergy sufferers who took probiotics had significant relief from itchy eyes.

The study included 435 allergy sufferers already being treated with antihistamines. One group was given the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei and the other group was given a placebo. The group given the placebo had a higher quality of life and more relief from itchy eyes than the group taking the placebo.

Seasonal allergies are caused by a skewed immune reaction to common allergens and this may be the ultimate natural remedy. Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts as part of food, confers a beneficial health effect by producing gut microflora on the host.” The clinical benefits of probiotic therapy depend on a number of factors such as bacterium, dosing, regimen, and other underlying factors. Other studies are needed to determine which probiotic strains are the most effective for hay fever symptoms and if they’re safe.

Another recent study found that a daily probiotic drink changed how cells lining the nasal passages of hay fever sufferers reacted to common allergens. The study also showed changes in their blood associated with immune responses. Though there were immune response changes in the cells and the blood, this particular study did not show a difference in hay fever symptoms.

The connection between probiotics and seasonal allergies makes sense because probiotics aid gut health. Gut health has been shown to be closely linked to immune health and it’s irregularities in immune health that cause seasonal allergies. Enter holistic health.

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The post Reduced Hay Fever Symptoms: One More Reason to Love Probiotics appeared first on EcoSalon.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance your internal flora and maintain a healthy metabolism. The truth is, most of us could use more of them on a daily basis. You could take a pill, sure, but there are more delicious ways to ensure that you incorporate enough probiotics into your diet. Here are five of our favorite ways.

1. Kefir and Greek Yogurt
Yogurt and kefir are two of the most familiar source of probiotics. Both contain tons of good bacteria like acidophilus, lactobacillus or bifidobacteria that help balance your delicate internal flora. If you’re worried about dairy, there are studies that suggest that probiotics can help ease lactose intolerance. Any brand that lists “live and active cultures” among the ingredients is a good choice, but make sure it’s organic to avoid other potential side effects of dairy.

image: Omar de Armas

2. Kombucha
Arguably the hottest thing in the beverage industry right now (even Celestial Seasonings is making their version), kombucha is a form of fermented tea. It’s been used for centuries for various purposes, like increasing your energy levels and maintaining a healthy weight. The large amounts of healthy gut bacteria formed during the fermentation process are the key to kombucha’s health benefits. Always read the ingredients to make sure you are getting authentic kombucha, not a kombucha-flavored beverage. Or, best of all, try and make your own.

image: sarea

3. Sauerkraut and Kimchee
Long heralded in Europe for its health benefits, sauerkraut contains the probiotics leuconostoc, pediococcus and lactobacillus. The health benefits of this fermented cabbage is limited to the homemade or more artisanal varieties, as pasteurization (used to treat most supermarket sauerkraut) kills virtually all the helpful bacteria. The spicy Korean version of sauerkraut, kimchee, is equally loaded with probiotics, as well as vitamins that help ward off infections.

image: Quinn Dombrowski

4. Miso Soup
It’s time to look at miso soup as more than a sushi lunch accoutrement. This fermented soybean paste can really get your digestive system moving, as it contains hundreds or beneficial bacteria strains. In Japan, it’s often enjoyed as a breakfast food, perhaps to kickstart the metabolism.

image: Kathie Lapcevic

5. Pickles
Like most fermented foods, pickles contain lots of good probiotics. Look for naturally fermented varieties that were pickled without vinegar. A pure mix of sea salt and water makes a great pickle brine, that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria.

When you’ve managed to fill your gut with beneficial probiotic strains, it’s important to keep them happy. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria that already live in your system and can be found in foods like asparagus, bananas, oatmeal, legumes, honey, maple syrup and red wine. Consider mixing foods rich in probiotics with those rich in prebiotics (red wine and pickles anyone?) to maximize your body’s ability to absorb them.

Top image: haley. s

The post 5 Delicious Ways to Get Your Probiotics appeared first on EcoSalon.

Cabbage just got more interesting.

I have a huge crush on kimchi. If I see it on the menu, chances are you can find it in my mouth several minutes later. The spicy cultured treat is a Korean staple – it is served at almost every meal and Koreans are known to pack in 40 pounds of kimchi per person, each year!

The base of kimchi is cabbage. Cabbage lowers blood cholesterol, prevents cancer, and contributes to better digestion. In many cultures, cabbage juice has been used to relieve stomach ulcers. The vegetable is a great source of B vitamins and omega-3s and contains approximately seven times more vitamin C than an orange. Like  garlic and onions, cabbage also boasts a high sulfur content, which helps to fight infection.

Aside from the benefits of cabbage itself, kimchi should be praised mostly for what it accumulates during preparation: healthy bacteria. The cabbage rests in salted and spiced water for a few days or weeks before it is served, contributing to the growth of lactobacilli, which are healthy probiotic bacteria that balance the intestinal tract and help to alleviate digestive problems. For this reason, kimchi is a great companion to every meal.

However, one of the downsides to ordering kimchi at a restaurant or purchasing it from a grocery store is the unknown factors – what kind of salt was used, how much sugar was added, and whether sneaky ingredients, like fish sauce, are in the mix. You can never really know. That’s why I decided to make my own kimchi, but in the most unintimidating and frills-free way possible. That way, I could enjoy it all the time knowing exactly what it contains and without the begrudged process to get there.

It’s a practice of patience, sure, but in the name of all the balance and restoration that kimchi provides my body, I vow to prepare it with similar gusto. Luckily enough, you can get on with your life for a few days while the kimchi does its magic. Do try this recipe out and you’ll have the most delicious and addictive digestive aid ever made.

Enjoy!

Homemade Vegan Kimchi

Makes 1 quart

Ingredients:

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons sea salt
• 6 scallions
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 two-inch nob of fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Korean chili powder (kochukaru)
• 2 tablespoons Nama Shoyu (soy sauce)
• 2-3 slices apple

Directions:

In a glass quart, dissolve the salt in the water.

While the salt dissolves, core the cabbage and roughly chop the leaves. You can pull the leaves off so they remain full and intact, or you can do what I did and simple cut through the body of the cabbage.

Pull apart the individual pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the salted water over the cabbage and massage the leaves until they wilt and reduce slightly in volume.

Transfer the salted cabbage leaves into the glass quart, pushing down with your fist so that the leaves are tightly packed.

Pour the remaining salted water into the quart so that all the leaves are completely submerged. Seal the top of the glass jar and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for 24 hours.

The next day,  drain the cabbage leaves from the water and rinse, reserving the salted water for later use. Place the leaves in a large bowl.

In a food processor, mix the garlic, chili, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce until mushy.

Massage the spicy mixture into the leaves so that each one is evenly coated. Toss in a few slices of chopped apple. The sugars from the apple will help the fermentation process.

Tightly pack the leaves in the same quart-sized jar, making sure there are no air pockets.

Pour some of the reserved salted water over the spicy cabbage leaves so that they are completely submerged. It is important that there are no air pockets.

Seal the top with a lid and store at room temperature away from sunlight for at least 3 full days. During this time, the kimchi will ferment, developing healthy bacteria. As long as the leaves are submerged, they will not mold.

Enjoy with chopsticks aside a Korean-inspired meal, or any meal!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

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Recently, a friend was over for coffee and we were discussing the finer points of my “dirty hippy” qualities.

“I’m no dirty hippy!” I exclaimed, thinking of my need for regular showers, my Sunday New York Times subscription, my refusal to drink wine out of mason jars and, of course, a deep-seated love for IKEA.

“But Anna, I don’t have that growing in my kitchen,” my friend responded, pointing to my two huge jars of kombucha sitting atop my kitchen counter and fermenting happily away.

“Oh right, that…”

I looked at the large, gelatinous cultures that were floating in my several-gallon jars, stringy pieces hanging from the bottom, and for a moment questioned my mental sanity for keeping them alive.

Kombucha doesn’t look cool. In fact, it’s pretty gross. Offer a friend a glass of your fermented tea that’s made from the alienesque growth and you’ll probably get some highly raised eyebrows.

But pop a glass bottle of the store-bought stuff with the words “enzymes,” “probiotics” and “detoxifiers” splattered all over and people go wild, paying upwards of $4 for something that’s easily made at home. In fact, in 2009 Americans bought more than 1 million bottles of GT’s Kombucha

The drink is thought to have originated in China around 221 B.C. during the Tsin Dynasty, but it has since spread to the rest of the globe. In recent years, kombucha has gathered a devoted, underground cult following. Scientifically speaking, kombucha is made from bacterium xylinum and yeast cultures. In layman’s terms, that means the drink is chock-full of probiotics, B vitamins, enzymes and amino acids.

Fermented beverages have a slew of benefits, and because of it, kombucha has gone from underground trend to mainstream drink. Kombucha is offered on tap at several select Whole Foods in both Portland, Ore. and San Francisco, Ca. Smaller establishments, like food co-ops, are also taking part in the movement, often offering locally brewed versions. In Vermont there’s Aqua Vitea, in New York there’s Kombucha Brooklyn and in Minnesota there’s Deane’s Kombucha. The list goes on.

No matter how trendy, the underground movement is still sticking to making the stuff at home, and DIY kombucha has seen a bit of a vogue resurgence in recent years.

Want to make your own? The first step is acknowledging that you’re going to be stuck with a slightly gross-looking brewing creature in your kitchen, but the results are rewarding and if you’re willing to take the plunge, you’ll be glad you did.

The second step is tracking down a “starter,” or as it’s known in the DIY kombucha community, a “baby.” These reproduce quickly, and in the kombucha brewing community it’s practically tradition to pass them around to all of your friends so everyone can have a batch going; ask anyone kombucha homebrewer and they’ll probably be able to tell you exactly who they got their baby from. If you don’t know anyone with a healthy kombucha batch at home that you can get a baby from, you can also buy them from online boutiques, find them on Craigslist or even join an online kombucha network.

My personal batch of kombucha is never made using measuring cups — you’ve got to do practically make an effort to do any damage once you’ve got a healthy culture going — so once you’ve made a few rounds you can start eyeing the proportions.

Ingredients:

• 12 cups purified water
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 3 black tea bags — I tend to use fruit-flavored black teas, like ginger peach or mango, just make sure it’s caffeinated
• 1 cup kombucha brew as starter
• 1 kombucha culture

Supplies:

• 1 large glass jar
• A piece of clean cloth that will cover the mouth of the jar and a rubber band to keep it in place
• NOTE: Always use clean supplies

1. Boil the water and stir in sugar until it dilutes.
2. Add tea bags and let steep fro 15-20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Add brewed tea, starter and culture to jar.
4. Cover jar with cloth and secure with rubber band
5. Let sit in a dark place for about 7 – 12 days. The time you let your kombucha brew depends on how strong you want it. Give it a taste after a week to see where it’s at. The longer it sits, the more fermented it will get.
6. Pour your kombucha into clean containers and store in refrigerator. If you’ve got an glass, juice bottles on hand, those work great.
7. Start the process again!

Once your kombucha is brewed there are many variations you can try. Dilute it with water for a lighter flavor, or mix it with juice to sweeten it. And hopefully you’ll be so succesful you’ll be passing off kombucha babies right and left that you’ll go from “dirty hippy” to “savvy culinary diva” in no time!

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