by Susan Tarasova and Nanette Schoenewe
A living beverage is one that has been produced in such a way that the healthy enzymatic activity and microbial life of the particular beverage is retained and even enhanced. Living beverages include cultured and fermented beverages such as yoghurt, kefir, kvass, jun, and Kombucha. Raw or “live” foods are foods that are either a) raw or b) have been minimally “cooked” at such a low temperature as to insure that their essential nutrients and enzymes are not compromised.
Fermentation, which is part of the living beverage process, is the oldest method of food preservation, and when executed properly can yield products with an actual increase in nutrients, bioavailability of vitamins and minerals, and probiotic life. These probiotic microbes help aid in proper digestion, protect our systems from pathogens, help detoxify harmful compounds, produce vitamins and nutrients, and are essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. When pathogens (harmful micro organisms) out number probiotics (life-supporting micro organisms) we become more prone to disease. The main causes of microbial imbalances include stress, antibiotics, and as recent research is proving, pesticides found in our (non-organic) food and environment. Needless to say, we can all benefit from some form of probiotic supplementation.
Raw foods (all vegan – i.e., plants, nuts, and seeds only) can be combined in countless combinations of flavors, even made into sauces and dough, dehydrated or simply mixed and enjoyed, and are more easily digested by the body, retain their nutrients, vitamins and full fiber content. Nanette Schoenewe of Nourished by Nanette, a raw food catering service, recommends a reasonable goal of 70% raw in our diet. Remember everyone…salads are raw! Just watch what you put on them for extra flavor – think herbs, lemon juice, even vinegars and avoid highly processed food products.
Kombucha Girl Living Beverages produces three main probiotic-rich brews: kombucha, water kefir, and kvass.
Kombucha helps restore overall system balance and is an effective digestive aid. The beneficial components of kombucha include probiotics, B-vitamins, organic acids, enzymes, and antioxidants.
Water Kefir – High-mineral water kefir can serve as an excellent broad-spectrum probiotic supplement. It contains approximately 30 different strains of probiotics. In addition to probiotics, the beneficial components also include B-vitamins (especially B-12 and folic acid), enzymes, and minerals.
Kvass is traditionally made from rye bread, but there are variations using fruits and vegetables. Kvass is probiotic-rich and the nutrients found in whatever fruit or vegetable is being fermented become more bioavailable as a result of the fermentation process.
Susan Tarasova, owner and kombucha girl of Kombucha Girl Living Beverages, sells her products every Saturday at the Covington Farmers Market. In addition to these probiotic beverages, KGLB also offers hand-crafted shrub and bitters. Check out the weekly Kombucha Girl Living Beverage newsletter on their Facebook page every Wednesday for the complete Living Beverage Menu and other information regarding their products. Nanette Schoenewe of Nourished by Nanette also sells her delicious raw food wraps, dips, “pastas” (made with veggies!) salads and other raw treats at the Wednesday and Saturday markets.
