Sealogica Prices go UP Tomorrow

Dear Readers,  Thanks to all who stop by and read this blog!  I love reading and answering all your comments.

I wanted to give you all one last chance to order your Sealogica before prices go up tomorrow.  I will honor all orders placed until midnight PST.  I have already sold out of my initial stock, but expect more either today or tomorrow, so I can get your order out to you as soon as possible.  You can check out with paypal now - you will see the link just to the right.

Our family is seeing excellent results with this supplement; I hope you give it a try!

Your "Must Have" Homeopathic Kit

I have been looking for a good homeopathic kit to have on hand for emergencies and every day life.

Homeopathics are excellent remedies to have on hand because not only are they quick and easy to use, they are inexpensive and last for years.  Many countries require some sort of expiration date, so you may see a date on your bottle, but that is often just a legal requirement.

Picture credit: www.homeopathyworks.com

I have just bought a kit recommended by my homeopath that you can find HERE.  It is a much better price at this website vs. amazon.

While homeopathics are easy to use and can be used without consulting a homeopath, I recommend finding a good homeopath in your area who can help you to know which homeopathic remedies are best for you to take for your unique situations.

My homeopath is wonderful and often available via email or phone when I have a question about how to use a remedy or will help me chose which remedy I need for a specific situation for no charge.

If you are unable to find a homeopath in your area there are two good books that I recommend:
     *The Family Guide to Homeopathy by Dr. Andrew Lockie which can be found HERE.
     *Homeopathy: An A to Z Home Handbook by Alan V. Schmukler which can be found HERE.

Disclaimer:  I am an affiliate for some of the links that I post.  I appreciate my readers using my links to help pay for the costs of running this blog.  Thank you!

You Can Now Use Paypal On My Website for Sealogica

I wanted to let me readers know that I have now added a Paypal Button for purchasing Sealogica on my website.  You can read more about this wonderful raw, whole food supplement HERE, that will replace a multivitamin and more.  I give this to my entire family (including our pet!).  Being a liquid, it's easy to use and very easily assimilated by the body.


For those who have asked for the ingredients list it is:

*distilled water
*7 types of wild harvested seaweed (a complete description is listed in the link I provided above)
*citric acid

Remember prices go up starting JUNE 1st.  So, if you want to try it at the introductory pricing, buy it today or tomorrow.  I have already sold out of my initial stock, but have more on the way!

Why is Organic Dog Food Important? Sealogica for my Pets?

Did you know that some pets are now being contaminated and cross-contaminating their owners with anti-biotic resistant bacteria due to their conventional food supply?  Here is an interesting article by ABC news regarding this subject.

THIS article is a bit old, so I don't have the latest stats on what is now in conventional pet food, but it would surprise me if this has really changed at all.  Considering how poor the Standard American Diet is, I am not surprised to see how sad the state is with regards to conventional dog food.  THIS article was helpful, and I am considering trying some of their products.

Right now we are using Natural Balance Organic Dog food (and our dog gets plenty of veggies and meat from leftover table food).  I would love to add some raw, organic dog food into the mix - I just need time to research the brands!  Thankfully, our dog has been very healthy.


I have also started to add some Sealogica to his water.  Here is what the maker of Sealogica says about adding it to your pet's diet.

Sealogica is Great for Pets!

Studies show that animals get along better when they have the proper amounts of minerals. In fact, animals can be trained to act in certain ways simply by depriving them of vital minerals in their diet. Conversely, giving them the vitamins and minerals missing in their diet, has shown that animals who once were aggressive and fighting with one another became very friendly and started laying together.

A case in point: These cats lived together for more than 5 years, and hissed at one another, and didn't play together. They never slept together until after trying Sea Vegetables for only two weeks!  Now they play together and rarely if every fight and even eat from the same bowl.

Folk Lore: During the War the French Ministry of War experimented with regard to the value of seaweed as food for horses. A batch of twenty fed on the usual ration of oats and fodder gained eleven kilogrammes less in two months than a similar number fed on the same weight of seaweed. Another trial resulted in the cure of some sick horses fed on seaweed, while others fed on oats remained out of health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  

1. What is Sealogica? Sealogica is a complete whole food, highly concentrated into a convenient easy to use liquid. Sealogica for Pets contains the proper combination of seven sea vegetables that provides every vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and amino acid known to your pet, in a natural form that is easily absorbed and properly utilized.

2. What ingredients make up Sealogica for Pets?Sealogica for Pets is a proprietary blend of seven sea vegetables containing phytovitamins, macro and trace phytominerals, amino acids and enzymes. Containing no toxic residue, these sea vegetables are wild harvested from the coldest and purest seawater from around the world. 100% vegan. Gluten free. pH balanced. No preservatives.

3. What will Sealogica do for my pet/pets? All animals have different chemistries, genetics, make up, and physical conditions, emotional conditions and environmental conditions. Sealogica is an exclusive blend of seven sea vegetables that provides your pet exactly what it needs synergistically just as mother- nature intended, regardless of their breed or conditions. When a group of compounds in a vitamin complex are kept together your pet receives the correct amount and combination of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients in a natural, distinct consumable form that your pets' body recognizes making it one of the best nutritional supplements on the market.

4. Is Sealogica recommended for older pets? As your pets get older their ability to digest foods and assimilate nutrients lessen. We highly recommend Sealogica for senior pets because it provides nutrients in a natural liquid form that your pets' body will recognize. Research has shown the nutrients and benefits of whole foods cannot be replicated. Sea Vegetables are rich in iodine and that plays a vital role in restoring a healthy metabolism rate, treating thyroid disorders, arthritis, joint pain, digestive disorders and much more.

5. How do you compare Sealogica to "Traditional Supplements"? Nutritionist Judith De Cava could not have said it better, "Separating the group of compounds (in a vitamin complex) converts it from a physiological, biochemical, active micronutrient into a disabled, debilitated chemical of little or no value to living cells. The synergy is gone." Your traditional supplements in the market place today only have to be 10% natural to make this claim, most are synthetic! They are made with isolated nutrients causing your pets body not to recognize it, treating it like a foreign substance. Your pets' body then excretes what it does not recognize and can sometimes cause adverse effects.Sealogica is a whole food. Nutrients within whole food are not isolated and work together synergistically enabling the vitamin complex to do its job for optimum nutrition.

6. Does my pet need to take any other multi-vitamin, mineral supplement or traditional supplement? No.Sealogica contains the proper combination of seven sea vegetables that provides every vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and amino acid that your pet needs. If your pet has health challenges larger quantities may be necessary. Remember most traditional supplements are synthetic and make the supplement disabled giving your pet little or no value which can contribute to negative long-term side effects.

7. Is Sealogica SAFE? Absolutely! Sealogica is safe because it is a whole food wild harvested oceanic treasure coming from the least toxic, polluted and chemically compromised environment on earth. Sea Vegetables are unrivaled in nutrients and cannot compare to any land plant.

8. Why sea vegetables? Sea vegetables contain thousands of discovered and undiscovered nutrients that contribute to complex functions that prevent disease and overall wellness. Land vegetables are farmed in soils that researchers have found to be up to 85% depleted robbing food of it's important nutrients. The pristine waters where these selected ingredients come from are free from herbicides, pesticides and heavy metal contamination and are in a constant state of nutrient enrichment.

The information and products provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Suggested Pet Dosage:  
1 ml/day for small - medium animals (1#-30#)
2-3 ml/day for medium & large animals (30#-100#)
mix with water or in food.

Please consult a health professional before undertaking any new health regime for your pets.

(Featured on the Healthy Home Economist)

Spiced Cultured Carrots Using the Pickl-it

It's Cultured Mondays and this week I am happy to feature my first attempt at fermenting using my pickl-it jars.  (I apologize for any blurriness to the pictures as we are having lens issues with my camera.)

I found these jars fairly easy to use and have ordered a few more sizes to try (I have 2 of the 1 1/2 liter size).  I am looking forward to sampling the results in a few days.

My recipe is very easy and quick to make.  This is enough for the two 1 1/2 liter pickl- it jars.

*Approximately 5 pounds of carrots, peeled, washed, and grated
*2% saline solution (4 cups of  filtered water and 19g of pink salt)
*4 cinnamon sticks
*20 cardamon pods
*1/2 cup whey

Press the carrots firmly into your jar.  Pour in your saline solution until it reaches the top of the carrots.  Add your whey, cinnamon sticks, and cardamon pods.  Assemble the jars and airlocks as instructed on the pickl-it website.  Place in a cool, dark place for 3-4 days.  Enjoy!

(Featured on the Healthy Home Economist, Real Food Forager, Cooking Traditional Foods)

Whole Foods Friday - Sealogica

It's Whole Foods Friday!  Today I am going to share about a raw, whole foods supplement that I am now using for our family and selling to those interested.



Yesterday, I did a post you can read here, about Sealogica, which includes the benefits and the types of seaweeds used to make this product.

I always encourage people to get their nutrients from whole food sources and to avoid standard or synthetic multivitamins which the body cannot utilize or has a difficult time using.  It's tough to find good whole food sources for concentrated intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

I was thrilled when my holistic practitioner started me on Sealogica.  I am now off of almost every supplement that I was taking!  I do still take a greens mix and EFA and cod liver oil a few times a week.  Other than that I have me and my family on Sealogica.

You can place your order using paypal on my website for the single bottle and the three pack.  If you would like a case, please call me at 301-233-2840 so I can make arrangements for the distributor to send the case directly to your home.

PRICES GO UP STARTING JUNE 1ST!

Here is a quick description from the maker:

Sealogica is a raw whole food blend of 7 wild-harvested sea vegetables, harvested from the coldest waters from around the world in their region of origin. The Sealogica synergistic blend of sea vegetables contains every vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and amino acid in nature’s perfect balance - plus enzymes, antioxidants, avonoids and many other powerful nutrients found in nature, required for ultimate health.

Sealogica

I am very excited to be able to offer a product called Sealogica, which is a whole foods supplement.  I had myself and my family on Selogica and was so pleased with the results that I have decided to spread the word and offer my readers a chance to buy this product.  I only offer products that I currently use on myself or my family (which is just two at this time).  Sealogica is an excellent alternative to taking a multi-vitamin.



Sealogica is a whole food and is a blend of 7 types of seaweed.  It is full of vitamins, mineral, antioxidants and more!  Because it is in liquid form, it is easily absorbed into the body, and it's very easy to take.   It comes in two flavors, plain or berry.  The plain has just seaweed, distilled water, and citric acid.  The berry flavor has natural berry flavor and stevia as well.


I do recommend starting slow, especially if you run hypothyroid.  Start with 1/4 the dose and slowly work your way up to the recommended dose over the course of a month. Some people may also find that Sealogica provides a mild detox, so if you things like eczema, you may find it flares up a bit when you start the product.


If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking Sealogica.


The recommended dose on the bottle is the adult dose.  Talk with your pediatrician before starting this with your children, but because it is a whole food, children are able to take this product, at a much reduced dose.


Prices are going up in just one week - June 1st!  So if you order now, you can get one bottle for $30, a three pack for $75, or a case of 12 for $216.  Prices starting June first will be $40 for a bottle and three pack for $90, and $240 for a case of 12.


The shipping is free for a three pack and the case.  The shipping fee for a single bottle is $5 and is included in the price on my buy now tab.


You can order from my website using paypal for the one bottle or three pack.  Please call me at 301-233-2840 if you would like to order a case so I can make arrangements to have the distributor send it straight to your home.




Here is some information about Sealogica:

Sealogica Info Sheet

Looking for Nature's Most Amazing Whole Food Vitamin Liquid Supplement? If you are, you’ve found it!

Weight Loss -- Detoxification -- pH Balance

Sealogica is an alternative to the dangers associated with taking synthetic vitamins and minerals. It also has a far better absorption rate. Sealogica is one of the best sources of whole food nutrition......

6 THINGS SEALOGICA CAN HELP

1) Sealogica is a great source of iodine and assists in losing weight by affecting your thyroid gland. It more or less kicks in your metabolism. If you are going to lose weight and keep it off, you are going to need a healthy thyroid gland.

2) Sealogica is a great source for magnesium.

3) It also contains chromium and vanadium which may help in correcting blood sugar challenges.

4) Sealogica contains natural iron for people with anemia.

5) It also has anti-inflammatory properties to fight inflammation which helps reverse premature aging, and on top of all of that...

6) Sealogica has antioxidants which help you have a stronger immune system to fight-off free radical damage leading to other serious health challenges.

There is nothing on the market today that compares to Sealogica It comes down to Whole Food Nutrients vs. Isolated Nutrient Supplements. More Potential Health Benefits of Sealogica:

● Weight Loss The special proprietary blend of sea vegetables in Sealogica could be your optimal health

solution for weight loss. If you want the simple, fast, and easy way to stay healthy, and lose weight, you have finally found it. Essential fatty acids (EFA's), plant fiber and the alginates in Sealogica help speed up the weight loss process by affecting your thyroid gland. When you use Sealogica twice a day, ‘weight loss’ is much easier and longer lasting. Anytime you stimulate the thyroid, you’re going to help your health and this is going to help keep the weight off. Besides being a key nutrient in effective, natural, long-lasting weight loss, Iodine that is found in Sealogica helps prevent goiters.

● pH Balance - Detoxifies The macro minerals, amino acids and fiber found in Sealogica work in unison to detoxify heavy metals and pollutants that enter the body through diet and air you breath. This specialized formula helps keep life-sustaining activities going on in the body while maintaining proper pH balance. Sealogica alkalizes the body making it less “acidic” and more “alkaline”. When you alkalize the body, weight loss is much easier. Proper pH balance is mandatory for optimal health and optimal weight loss.

● Immune System - Anti-Aging -The phyto-nutrients in Sealogica help strengthen the immune system and keep your body resistant to illness and infection. A large variety of antioxidants found in Sealogica ‘fight’ dangerous free radicals... providing a strong immune system. The Anti-Aging properties found in Sealogica enhance cell regeneration and rejuvenation which helps ‘slow down’ the aging process.

● Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral & Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sealogica’s powerful anti-bacterial properties help build up resistance to allergies and infections.

It helps prevent colds, flu and other respiratory challenges. It is loaded with vitamins B and C, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties.

● Healthy Heart -  Sealogica helps curb the formation of blood clots to help prevent atherosclerosis and or hardening of the arteries. This alone makes this a viable product everyone could use. The special sea vegetables in Sealogica are a good source of magnesium, which is known to reduce high blood pressure, improve circulation and prevent strokes. Sealogica can help effectively lower blood cholesterol levels helping to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. It contains energy- boosting B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals that can help fight stress and fatigue. It can help you stay active and alert.

● Kidneys - Liver Sealogica contains important vitamins, macro minerals, trace minerals, amino acids and enzymes which act like electrolytes that help support optimum kidney function while aiding in the prevention of kidney stones. Sealogica also helps prevent fatty liver development, toxic build-up and other related health challenges.

● Teeth - Gums With 26 times the calcium in milk (milk does not help you maintain healthy teeth or bones),

Sealogica helps strengthen your teeth and bones. Aside from calcium, the sea vegetables in Sealogica are also rich in vitamin C, one of the most essential vitamins, which keeps the gums in the pink of health.

● Healthy Eyes - The sea vegetables used in this proprietary blend are a leading source of natural carotenes like Vitamin A (beta carotene) and bioflavonoids – antioxidants which help clear up the cellular debris that accumulate in the eyes. Bioflavonoids work with prolonging Vitamin C activity in the eyes, and help prevent swelling and inflammation of ocular tissues. Vitamins A and C help keep your eyes healthy and can prevent “dry eye” syndrome.

● Healthy Hair - Skin - Nails Vitamins, macro minerals, trace minerals and amino acids and enzymes in Sealogica help strengthen nails, and the B vitamin Biotin helps to promote healthy-shining hair with good texture.  The amino acid Serine promotes healthy skin while Threonine improves skin tone. Rich in beta-carotene, minerals and amino acids, sea vegetables maintain collagen (a protein that strengthens and rebuilds connective tissues) making skin supple and soft while reducing wrinkles and laugh lines. The antioxidants increase the body's fat-burning ability This helps skin tissue and fat cells absorb minerals. These minerals then break the “chemical bond” that seals the fat cells. Then the fat is released out of the body (through the kidneys and bladder) reducing and eliminating cellulite build-up.

● Memory -  Sealogica has significant amounts of vitamins, macro minerals, trace minerals and amino acids which enhances your brain’s performance specifically Asparagine, which energizes the brain and also boosts the immune system, while Boron improves mental clarity as it assists in unclogging arteries.

● Supports Bone Health and Joint Function - The high magnesium content in Sealogica stimulates production of calcitonin (a hormone), which helps increase calcium uptake in the bones. Sealogica is a ‘terrific source’ of vitamin D, essential for 1) calcium absorption, 2) bone health and 3) muscle function. It can help improve bone density, helping to prevent osteoporosis.

● Prostate Health - Sealogica is also high in trace minerals and antioxidants which help maintain a healthy prostate (gland) - especially in middle-aged men (anyone over 45).

Sealogica is easy to take, and you only have to take it twice a day, to get a ton of health benefits along with feeling better.

These are the kinds of seaweeds used in Sealogica:

Ascophyllum nodosum is a large, common brown sea vegetable from the northern Atlantic Ocean, also known as Norwegian Kelp, Knotted Kelp or Knotted Wrack. Chemical and nutritional analyses indicate that it contains vitamins such as thiamine, folic acid and vitamin C, and amino acids and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and iodine, according to the Journal of Nutrition.

Chondrus crispus, known under the common name Irish Moss or Carrageen Moss, is a species of red sea vegetables which grows abundantly along the Northern Atlantic coastline. It is rich in iodine and sulfur. Known mostly for aiding in diges- tion and intestinal disorders, it possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also considered an anticoagulant and research has claimed that it may reduce high blood pressure and the risk of arteriosclerosis.

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common names Bladder Wrack, Red Wrack, Red Fucus and Sea Oak, is found in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Primary chemical constituents of this plant include mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, iodine, bromine, potassium and many other minerals. This species has been shown to help women with abnormal menstrual patterns and/or menstrual-related disease histories.

Fucus evanescens is an Arctic species, originating in the North Atlantic. As with other brown sea vegetables, it is very high in magnesium and high in protein, vitamin A, iodine, bromine and phosphorous. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E and an extensive list of minerals such as potas- sium, calcium, sodium, sulfur, chloride, silicon, iron, manga- nese, copper, zinc, titanium and trace elements.

Laminaria is a genus of 31 species of large, brown sea vegetables, all sharing the common name of Kelp. Aside from its high vitamin B-12 and mineral content, Kelp has strong anticarcinogenic properties. Also, the sodium alginate in Kelp has been shown to reduce the body's absorption of radiation.

Porphyra may be the most domesticated marine sea vegetable, also known as laver, or nori. Containing more vitamin C than oranges and minerals that include manganese, copper and selenium, it is particularly high in trace elements such as zinc.

Ulva Lactuca, a bright green sea vegetable in the division Chlorophyta, is also known by the common name Sea Lettuce. It is high in protein and a variety of vitamins (A, B1, C) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium) especially iron.

Disclaimer - This information has not been verified by the FDA.  Please consult with your medical caregiver before starting any new supplement.  I am not a licensed medical professional and do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any health issue.  The information here should not be construed as medical advice.  If you chose to use any of the herbs, natural remedies, or supplements, you are taking responsibility for your own health and wellness. 

(Featured on Food Renegade, Butter Believer, Healthy Home Economist, Real Food Forager, GNOWGLINS, Food Renegade, Real Food Forager)

Book Review: Naturally Healthy Babies and Children

I'm slowing finding a number of books related to treating children with natural remedies.  One of my new favorites is a book called Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm, MD.

I really like this book because it provides a balanced attitude towards caring for children naturally, but also helps parents to know when it is necessary to obtain medical help.  I think this is because Ms. Romm was a midwife and herbalist for many years before becoming an MD.  I like the approach of "integrated medicine" this book takes.

The book is divided into three parts; Herbalism and Natural Healing, the Newborn and Baby Care, and Natural Healing for Children.

The section on Herbalism and Natural Healing focuses on many helpful things, some of them being, how to build a home herbal medicine chest, understanding herbs, learning how to evaluate your child's health and when to seek medical attention.  I found this section to be very well rounded.

The Newborn and Baby Care includes a section on pregnancy and herbs, labor and delivery, as well as bonding with and care for the newborn.  So much helpful information in this section.  I highly recommend this for people who want to be parents and parent's to be.

Natural Healing for Children covers a host of common childhood illnesses along with the appropriate herbal, natural, and homeopathic remedies as well as information regarding when to seek medical care.

This is an excellent resource for parents and I know will be a "go to" book for our home.


I am an affiliate for Amazon.  I only recommend products that I use or have and appreciate you using my links as a way to help support this website.  Thank you!

(Featured on GNOWFGLINS, Real Food Forager, Natural Mother's Network)

Salted Cultured Lemons and Salads

We have had friends in town for the past few days, so I am a bit behind on my posting, but I would like to post a quick easy way to use my salted, cultured lemons...



I made a nice green salad today and diced a few of these up and put them on my salad with a honey mustard dressing.  It was delicious!  The lemons were light and refreshing and added a nice zing to the salad.

Whole Foods Friday - Making Whole Foods Fun for Kids Part 2

Following up on last weeks post, I wanted to share this second post my sister did over at Whole Foods on a Budget, about making whole foods fun and interesting for kids.  So, hop on over HERE and read her post about kids and novelty!

(Featured on the Nourishing Gourmet)

Recipe for Organic Cacao Body Butter

I am linking another fabulous recipe from my aromatherapy instructor Jade Shutes, who teaches at the East West School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies, where I am getting my aromatherapy degree.  By the way, they are launching a wonderful skin care class with early bird sign up right now!  Click HERE for more info!

Hop over to Jade's Blog, HERE, to read her extravagant recipe for organic cacao body butter!

A Tea to Help Eczema

My two year's old eczema has started to flare up a bit in little patchy areas on his legs.  Thankfully, it does not seem to bother him, but I know it's time to work on a little cleanse for him.

Interestingly enough, when he gets his sauerkraut and other fermented foods, it helps clear his eczema and the yeast he gets behind his knees.  We have just not had as much fermented food around since I am in the process of switching to my Harsch Crock and Pickl-it jars.  Can't wait to get more fermented food back in this house!

When my son's eczema does flare, I use a blend of homemade tea that contains burdock root, yellow dock root, and dandelion root.  Nettle leave and dandelion leaf can be added as well.  I also use some echinacea, and am giving him this (along with the nettle) in a glycerite form made for children by a brand called Herbs for Kids.  These herbs are helpful in relieving the flare-ups and some (the root herbs, especially) help to cleanse the blood and support the liver which will help to get rid of toxins that might be contributing to his flare up.  

Photo Credit: www.organic-herbal-remedies.com

I always like to start with a very low dose for a few days and see how things go before increasing any of the herbs.

I highly recommend using Mountain Rose Herbs when buying your herbs.  I have been using them for years and appreciate how fresh their herb arrive and their excellent customer service.

With children, you always have to be careful when administering herbs, being sure to figure out their correct dose.  There are a number of ways to do this, and THIS website lists two formulas that you can use.

Teas are generally a safe way to administer herbs to your children.  I simply give my son his dose in a little bit of juice when it's very strong herbs like burdock and yellow dock, and I just dilute them in water if they are more mild like nettle leaf or oat straw.

I do recommend consulting with a certified, trained herbalist before you start to administer herbs to your children, especially if you are making your own teas.  

Another thing that I will be trying is using chickweed and making a chickweed bath for him.  And of course, loading him up with fermented foods once they are ready!

Disclaimer:  Please note that I am not a licensed medical professional. I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness or health issue. The information or advice provided here should not be construed as medical advice, and the FDA has not evaluated the herbs and essential oils discussed on this blog. If you chose to use any of the herbal or natural remedies discussed, you will be taking responsibility for your own health and wellness.


(Featured on GNOWFGLINS, The Nourishing Gourmet, Food Renegade)

Cultured Mondays - Sauerkraut in the Harsch Crock

It's Cultured Mondays once again!  A lot of talk about fermentation this past week.  I am looking forward to trying my Harsch crock and Pickl-it jars to see if we notice any difference than when we used Mason Jars.  I have also purchased some glass weights for my mason jars to try.  After lots of thinking and more thinking and reading, I have come to the conclusion that I will probably be sticking to the Harsch crock (since we already had one) and a few pickl-it jars.  I'm on the fence about the mason jars with weights.  Since I have some gut issues that need healing and I have a toddler, I would rather not risk giving us molds and yeasts to eat, which seem to be a risk when using the mason jars.

Picture from www.amazon.com

I'm glad that I am doing Cultured Mondays as it will allow you, my readers, to follow my journey, and will allow me to have a place to record my results.

This past week, I filled my 10L Harsch Crock with 12 pounds of cabbage and a few heads of garlic.  I would normally let the entire thing sit for about 10 weeks, but I plan to harvest this batch a bit early and then get another batch going since we have no sauerkraut to eat right now and we desperately need some.  I see my son's eczema and yeast behind his knees starting to crop up, which seems to go away when he is getting good doses of sauerkraut.

Of course, I forgot to take pictures while I put up this batch, but hope to remember to take some pictures next time.  I also plan to take some time this week to figure out how to use my two pickl-it jars and put up some veggies in them.  Busy fermenting week over here!

How do you all feel about fermenting after reading through some of KerryAnn's posts?

(Featured in The Nourishing Gourmet, Food Renegade)

Whole Food's Friday - Counting Fruits and Vegetable with Your Kids

It's Whole Foods Friday again!!  Stop by and read my sister's post over at Whole Foods on a Budget about how to get your children more interested in eating their fruits and vegetables.  She has had great success with her children and I think you will too!

Easy, Fresh Chamomile Tea

I was thrilled this week to be able to gather my first chamomile blooms from my mini herb garden.   They are such pretty, sunny blooms and smelled heavenly!  I brewed myself a cup of this tea about an hour before I went to bed and enjoyed some nice, deep sleep.

There are a lot of different flower to water ratios but, here is what I did to make my tea:

*2-3 tsp fresh chamomile flowers
*1 cup water
*honey as desired

Place chamomile flowers in a tea pot or glass jar.  Heat your water and just as it starts to boil, remove from heat and pour over your chamomile flowers.  Allow to sit, covered, for 15-30 minutes.  If desired, add honey, sip 45 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.

A Fermentation Response From Sandor Katz

Wow!  There has been a lot of fermentation talk on the blogs lately!  In order to be fair to my readers, I would like to post a response by Sandor Katz, who wrote the Book Wild Fermentation.  He basically says that as long as you keep your ferments under the brine, you can continue to use mason jars for fermenting.

It's hard to keep things under the brine, but I just found these glass weights on ebay and plan to buy and try a few of these for some of my ferments.

I guess I am landing a bit in the middle.  I do have some gut issues that I want to heal, so I want to use the pickl-it and Harsch as much as I can.  But, as I heal, I am not opposed to using my mason jars with the glass weights on them.  I am curious to see how those work - my opinion may change again depending on how I like the masons with the weights.  One thing I will stand firm on is that weights are needed if you want to use mason jars for fermenting.  I have not been doing this, but after all the reading over the past few weeks, I see that they are absolutely necessary.

Also, I want to be clear that I do not discount the research that Kerry Ann has done.  I am sure that there are people with very serious gut issues that need to be healed with fermentations that are done in a strictly anaerobic environment.  This may not apply to most people, but just the same, I do think that it applies to some people.  You just have to figure out into which group you fall.  I am not totally sure where I fall yet, which is why I am trying all methods.

Here is the link to the weights:  CLICK HERE

Here is Sandor Katz's response:

"I hear that much controversy is brewing on the internet over vessels for fermenting vegetables, and the implications of whether or not they are totally anaerobic. I have made hundreds of batches of kraut in all sorts of vessels (most of them open crocks), and I have witnessed, consistently, that it doesn’t matter. Each vessel has advantages and disadvantages. No particular type of vessel is critical. People have been fermenting vegetables for millennia in crocks open and closed, in pits and trenches, in sealed and open vessels. It can be done many different ways. The only critical factor is that the vegetables be submerged under brine.

Whenever vegetables are submerged under brine, lactic acid bacteria (which are anaerobic) develop. Whether or not the vessel protects the surface of the ferment from atmospheric oxygen, the microbial development under the brine is anaerobic lactic acid bacteria. In the vocabulary of microbiology, lactic acid bacteria are “facultative” in that they that do not require oxygen, but are not inhibited by its presence; in contrast, certain other bacteria (for example Clostridium botulinum) are “obligate” anaerobes that require a perfectly anaerobic environment.

The only difference air exposure or lack thereof makes is whether aerobic organisms like yeasts and molds can develop on the surface. The barrel of kraut I have had fermenting in the cellar for six months now is good and sour, and I have been eating from it and sharing it widely for months. Each time I remove the cloth tied down over it, and the jugs of water weighing it down, and the two semi-circular oak boards that rest upon the surface, I skim off a moldy layer around the edges and down the middle, wherever the surface was exposed to air. I toss the moldy layer into the compost, and the kraut beneath it looks, smells, and tastes wonderful. Many people have reported how good it made them feel and not a single person has complained of any problems from it, ever. The brine protects the vegetables from the aerobic organisms that grow on the exposed surfaces. The ferment is a lactic acid ferment, even though the surface is aerobic. Surface growth should be scraped away because if it is allowed to grow it can diminish the acidity of the kraut and affect flavor and texture, but if you keep periodically scraping mold away, the ferment beneath is fine.

I have also fermented in Harsch crocks, Pickl-Its, Mason Jars, and many other types of vessels. Mason jars become highly pressurized if you fail to loosen them to release pressure. Even if they are not perfectly airtight, they permit little airflow. Many times I have witnessed carbon dioxide force its way through the airtight seal by contorting the tops to provide an escape for the pressure. The various air-locked designs that allow pressure to release while preventing air from entering the system are generally effective at preventing aerobic surface growth. Yet still I generally do not use them because I love to look at and smell and taste my krauts as they develop, and each time you open an air-locked vessel you defeat its purpose, allowing air in. The vessels are effective, but are not well-suited to my desire to taste at frequent intervals. Different vessels suit different needs and desires. No one type of vessel is essential for fermenting vegetables. I have had success using every type of vessel I could think of. As long as you can keep vegetables submerged, lactic acid bacteria will develop. The process is extremely versatile.

For more in-depth information on fermenting vegetables, fermentation vessels, and all realms of fermentation, check out my new book, hot off the presses, The Art of Fermentation. Keep fermenting…"

Apple Cider Vinegar...Your New Easy, Inexpensive Deoderant

I have been looking for a quick and easy deodorant for a while now.  Honestly, I usually just go without, but there are times that I want and need to wear some kind of deodorant.  As busy as I am, I just have not had time to make my own and I'm not thrilled with the natural ones we have bought.

There are all kinds of recipes floating around using apple cider vinegar as an ingredient for homemade deodorant, but as I said, I just have not had the time to make any.  So, the other day, I just decided to use plain old organic apple cider and swab it under my arms to see what would happen.  I went one step further and went for a run.

Well, to my delight and surprise it worked!  I was shocked that I did not need to reapply after my run.  I did not notice any odor the rest of the day and woke up smelling nice and fresh.  So, I am happy to report, I finally have a simple, easy, inexpensive deodorant...

Apple cider vinegar and a cotton swab!

(You will notice a vinegar smell for a few minutes after you apply, but that quickly fades away.)

(Featured  on GNOWFLGINS, Food Renegade, Healthy Home Economist, Homestead Revival, Real Food Forager, Natural Mother's Network, Real Food Freaks)

Cultured Mondays - A Switch to Harsch Crocks and Pickl-It Jars

*Update - Please take a minute to read an additional post that I wrote today (5/9/12).  After doing some more reading, and looking at Sandor Katz's response, I am looking at a way to still ferment in mason jars using a glass weight.  While it may not be as superior as the Harsch and Pickl-it, I am hoping that it will still make good ferments and I will be able to still ferment several things at a time without having to buy all new equipment.  While that may work for our family, I do believe that some people need the strict anaerobic environment to heal their guts and would be better off using the Harsch and Pickl-it exclusively.  You just need to decide where your family falls.*





Honestly, I've been dreading making this move...throwing stuff to ferment into a mason jar is so quick and easy, but some recent research has shown that mason jars are not making clean ferments.  Now I have to figure out how to use the pickl-it and I need to lug out my large Harsch crock.

I bought my Harsch crock about 4 years ago when I first started fermenting, but ended up tucking it away as it was heavy and frankly a bit of a pain to use.  I had not heard of pickl-it jars or I probably would have just bought a few of those to start with.

Harsch Crock via amazon.com

But, we LOVE sauerkraut in the house and the Harsch is large enough that I can make a huge batch and since I have it, I will use it.  If I had known about pickl-it, then I would have just bought their 5 Liter Jar, seen HERE, which is a lot cheaper (and I am hoping easier to use) than the Harsch crock.

(I did find this review that had a helpful side by side comparison for pickl-it and the Harsch crock.)

This change has come as the result of some research done by fellow Nourished Living Network member, KerryAnn at Cooking Traditional Foods.  Basically, KerryAnn's research has shown that ferments need an anaerobic environment to create the best healing probiotics for your gut.  Mason jars do not provide this, and often breed molds and yeasts into your ferments.  If you would like to read more about this here are a few links to her posts.

*Salt and Lacto-fermentation
*Three Important Facts About Fermenting
*Knowing My Lacto-Ferment is Finished
*Pickl-it Question and Answer Video
*Lactic Acid Bacteria vs. Probiotic Pills
*How to Use Pickl-it
*Lactic Acid Bacteria and the Mason Jar
*Controversy: Pickl-it Vs. the Mason Jar

I hope you find these posts helpful and are not discouraged to continue to ferment foods.  It is a bit overwhelming leaping into new territory, but you are not alone and my next few Cultured Mondays posts will take you on my journey as I switch over to a new kind of fermenting experience.

I am looking forward to reaping the healthy results of my hard work!  So, stick with me and you may find you want to do it too!

(Featured on Healthy Home Economist, Homestead Revival, Real Food Forager, GNOWFGLINS, The Nourishing Gourmet)