Frequently Asked Questions

Did we make these products?  Yes, we make, bottle and label all our products ourselves, by hand. 

What is the shelf life of kraut?  An unopened jar will last a year.  We recommend two months for an opened jar.  It helps to press the kraut down into the juice after each use.

What is the best way to take SuperTonic?  Many creative ways to take SuperTonic.  The latest suggestion is to put 1 - 2 tablespoons SuperTonic in 1-2 cups of hot water and add honey to taste.  Makes a delicious hot tea.  Other suggestions include 2-4 tablespoons in pint jar, add equal amount of honey or maple syrup, and top off with a fruit juice.  However, some like it straight,, some use it as a barbecue sauce, some add it to their morning "smoothie."  

Do we use vinegar to make our krauts or pickles?  No, the natural fermentation process generates its own healthy lactic and other organic acids.

I would like to make my own ferments.  Can you give me any tips? Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz are excellent resources.  However, you can e-mail us with specific questions (localgrower@gmail.com) and we will be happy to provide pointers and tips.

I have heard the lactic acid is what makes your muscles ache after intense exercise.  Why is lactic acid considered desirable?  There are two forms of lactic acid: L(+) and D(-). Sauerkraut and other lactic acid-fermented foods contain the L(+) which is necessary for the creation of energy in the muscles, liver and red blood cells.  Also lactic acid is a basic substance for making glucose and fatty acids.  While the body can make its own, supplementing our diets with food rich in L(+) lactic acid has many positive effects.  D(-) lactic acid is produced when insufficient oxygen which is necessary to metabolize pyruvic acid results in the conversion of pyruvic acid to D(-) lactic acid.

How do I use sauerkraut?  Many ways!  It really wakes up a salad.  It's great as a side with almost any food: casseroles, meats, eggs, rice, beans, potatoes....mix a little in your stir-fried vegetables (after they're cooked please, so you don't kill the live enzymes and probiotics with the heat.  How about on a grilled cheese sandwich?

What is KimChi good with?  We love it with eggs or hamburger.  It is fantastic on a sweet potato or winter squash with coconut oil.  Always add the kraut or KimChi after, not during cooking.  You want the full benefit of the raw, living food.

We use Celtic Sea Salt to make our ferments.  How is this salt different from regular table salt?

What is the difference between Raw Fermented Kraut and commercial supermarketl Sauerkraut?