Search Results: kefir

Episode 105: Nine Recipes and Reasons to Eat Cultured Pumpkin

By Donna Schwenk / November 19, 2019

I love, love pumpkin. It has many wonderfully healthy qualities and a creamy consistency that makes it a wonderful treat. I use pumpkin in multiple ways, but some of my favorites recipes are ones I make with kefir. Fermenting pumpkin is a way to enhance all the nutrients and add probiotics, too. Check out all the recipes and health facts about why you should be adding more pumpkin to your diet. […]

Read More

Aimee Salva

By Chris Johnston / November 13, 2019

At 12 years old I was diagnosed with a goiter. I experienced many issues due to my thyroid. Finally, at 28 I broke out in hives from head to toe…

Read More

Tara Stanley

By Chris Johnston / November 12, 2019

I was faithful for two years with consuming fermented foods. I felt great. I lost 30lbs had more energy and no colds for those 2 years. Then my daughter last…

Read More

Brandi Mayberry

By Chris Johnston / November 11, 2019

In 2012 after a high-stress year, we finally made our dream of moving to Colorado a reality. I could not understand why I couldn’t feel complete joy, why my stomach…

Read More

Episode 103: Asthma and Fermented Foods

By Donna Schwenk / November 4, 2019

One of the first friends I ever told about cultured foods had a little boy with asthma. Making and drinking a kefir smoothie every day allowed him to get off his asthma inhaler and live a normal life. I was quite surprised and thrilled that it worked so rapidly and since that time research has caught up with the connection between the microbes in our gut and asthma. Tune in to listen and learn more! […]

Read More

Fibromyalgia and Fermented Foods

By Donna Schwenk / September 14, 2019

Fibromyalgia is one of the fastest-growing disabling conditions. It affects 2-4 percent of the population and has no known cure. It seems to affect mostly women, and I see it cropping up everywhere. […]

Read More

Will Bacteria Keep You Young?

By Donna Schwenk / August 31, 2019

I remember the day I learned that the human gut held as much as six pounds of bacteria. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t known this and wanted to know more about my trillions of microbes. Could I help them grow and thrive, and in the process live a healthier, longer life? […]

Read More

Episode 94: Enzymes and Your Gut

By Donna Schwenk / August 26, 2019

Having plenty of digestive enzymes is one of the keys to optimal health. Learn how to give your body what you need to absorb and break down your food into micro- and macro-nutrients that can then be absorbed and used by your body. Listen to today’s podcast to learn how. […]

Read More

Which Are The Best Sweeteners?

By Donna Schwenk / August 24, 2019

It’s been quite a journey for me trying to find the right sweeteners for me and my family. It was always really important to me to find ones that wouldn’t spike my blood sugar but also wouldn’t harm my gut flora. […]

Read More

The FODMAP Diet for SIBO, IBS, and Probiotic Foods

By Donna Schwenk / July 27, 2019

We all know that food choices can drastically impact health symptoms. So, it’s no surprise that diets are continuously developed for different health conditions or symptoms. IBS and SIBO sufferers have a difficult time finding things to eat that don’t flare symptoms. […]

Read More

Purple Ginger Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / July 26, 2019
Read More

Help! My Kombucha Is Too Sour

By Donna Schwenk / July 20, 2019

In the early days of making kombucha, I would often let my kombucha go too long and it would lose its bubbliness. There were a few times it turned so sour that it made me squint and gasp. I honestly thought I had killed my uvula. You know that little thing that hangs down the back of your throat. […]

Read More

Episode 90: How Many Cultured Foods Should You Eat in a Day?

By Donna Schwenk / July 16, 2019

You don’t need to add tons of cultured foods to your diet to see benefits, and I am going to show you how easy it is. It might surprise you that small amounts can make a big difference. […]

Read More

Episode 89: Low-Carb Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / July 9, 2019

Low-carb and Keto diets are very popular right now. I think we’re all different, and what works for one doesn’t always work for another. This is why I love cultured foods. They fit into any diet, but you need to know a couple of things to do it right. Check out the podcast to learn how. […]

Read More

Episode 88: Microbes That Change Your Home in 24 Hours

By Donna Schwenk / July 2, 2019

When you and I find the courage and strength to be better in any regard, we help everyone around us. This goes for every area of our lives and even what we eat. You have trillions of hitchhikers that live in and on you, and they play a huge role in keeping you healthy. Your home, too, is covered in your bacteria, and every room is teeming with your unique bacterial signature. […]

Read More

Did Kombucha Heal My Husband’s Eyes?

By Donna Schwenk / June 22, 2019

My husband is used to my crazy new ideas and has become accustomed to my enthusiasm for whatever happens to be my latest discovery. He goes along for the ride but never jumps in with both feet until coaxed. Kombucha was the first food he really grasped on to, and here is why. […]

Read More

Fermented Radish Coins

By Maci / June 14, 2019
Read More

Episode 85: What to Do With Your Cultures While You’re on Vacation

By Donna Schwenk / June 11, 2019

Your cultures (kefir, kombucha, sourdough, and water kefir) are all living organisms and need to be cared for just like a pet. I love them like family and have found ways to take care of them when I go on vacation. I can teach you how to keep them thriving and healthy even when you’re gone. […]

Read More

Ginger Kombucha – The Anti-Inflammatory Drink

By Donna Schwenk / June 1, 2019

Ginger is powerful medicine! I have been consuming ginger every day and found it to be very effective in helping with any kind of inflammation – especially hay fever in the springtime. Ginger is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory as well as being a powerful antiseptic and antihistamine.

Read More

Get Cultured at The Green Dragon 🐉

By Donna Schwenk / June 1, 2019

Spend a day and immerse yourself into the world of making and eating cultured foods. Donna combines an inspiring day of information with lessons on how to make our trio, The Trilogy: kefir, kombucha, cultured vegetables, and extra info on sourdough bread, and water kefir. You’ll receive a delicious lunch and you’ll be taking home your own jar of cultured vegetables that will give you a starter for many more vegetables to come. . .

Read More

Pink Peppercorn Pickles

By Donna Schwenk / May 21, 2019
Read More

Episode 83: Fermented Sauerkraut and Breast Cancer

By Donna Schwenk / May 21, 2019

Sauerkraut is an incredible food. I teach people to make it at all my classes. I received letters and posts from people who are undergoing chemo and finding help with kraut and other cultured foods. Check out the new research on sauerkraut and cancer! […]

Read More

Linda Cleary

By Chris Johnston / May 14, 2019

I have only been using kefir for about 3 months, but it has caused a miracle in my life! At the age of five, I had a bout of head-to-toe…

Read More

Tomato Bruschetta

By Donna Schwenk / May 9, 2019
Read More

Episode 81: Are Probiotic Foods Stronger Than Supplements?

By Donna Schwenk / May 6, 2019

Many people wonder if probiotic pills provide the same benefit as probiotic foods since they seem to be marketed in the same way—healthy bacteria for our guts. Probiotic foods work significantly better because of their construction. Tune in to listen and learn more. […]

Read More

Waffle Cones

By Donna Schwenk / April 30, 2019
Read More

Key Lime Kraut

By Maci / April 30, 2019
Read More

Episode 80: Can Your Gut Heal Your Joints?

By Donna Schwenk / April 30, 2019

Your body is a host to trillions of microbes. These microbes can influence your health and your joints in a powerful way. Check out the podcast to learn more. . .

Read More

Thoughts and Habits That Changed Everything

By Donna Schwenk / April 20, 2019

In March 2010 I was turning fifty years old and facing down demons in my life. Our home was going on the auction block on my birthday. I was fighting fear and had two voices in my head. One was filled with hope, the other with panic and fear. Looking back on this time, I remember it so vividly. Months of fear slowly began to turn to hope and for no other reason than I stopped listening to the voice of fear and started to believe that no matter what, I was guided and loved and it would be ok. . .

Read More

Episode 78: Fermenting Tips That Nobody Else Talks About

By Donna Schwenk / April 16, 2019

Are you confused about how to make kefir, kombucha, and cultured veggies? I have lots of ways to help ferment faster and easier than other methods. I’ve been doing this for 17 years and I have tips that can really help you. Tune in to find out more. . .

Read More

Cucumber Kimchi

By Donna Schwenk / April 13, 2019
Read More

You Are What Your Bacteria Eat

By Donna Schwenk / April 6, 2019

You are what your bacteria eat. It sounds like a science fiction movie, that deep within our gut is an entire ecosystem which is affecting both our cravings and moods to get us to eat what they want. . .

Read More

Jan Mueller

By Chris Johnston / April 2, 2019

Our Shining Star of the Desert! Dear Donna, I thank God for you and your valuable information EVERY day! Our miniature poodle, Star, developed health issues in mid-January this year…

Read More

Gigi Nelson

By Chris Johnston / April 2, 2019

Hi Donna, This is a story I never really thought I’d share outside of my family and friends. But I’ve decided to change that because it’s something that needs to…

Read More

Sandbox

By Donna Schwenk / March 19, 2019

Hot Pie “You need sour cherries to make it right, and the secret is you dry the stones, and then you break them with a mallet. That’s where the real…

Read More

Episode 74: The Microbes in Your Gut Make Neurochemicals

By Donna Schwenk / March 19, 2019

Before I found cultured foods I was a different woman physically and emotionally. New research shows that you make chemicals in your gut that affect your emotional state. Check out the podcast for more info. . .

Read More

10 Natural Miracles I Found To Lower Stress

By Donna Schwenk / March 2, 2019

Stress is an alarm clock. It’s your body trying to communicate with you, sending you alert notices; but so few of us listen and I am no different from you. This is a very personal subject for me. Stress made its presence known to me in 2016, but I didn’t listen. I just ignored the signs. I was working like crazy for years and adding more and more pressure to myself. . .

Read More

Episode 71: Sugar Drops Your Immune System By 75%

By Donna Schwenk / February 26, 2019

One of my favorite things that cultured foods do is to boost your immune system. Your gut is responsible for 80% of your immune system. Find out how sugar can drop your immune system by 75% and how cultured foods can help. . .

Read More

7 Reasons I Eat Sourdough Bread

By Donna Schwenk / February 23, 2019

So as I write, I’m waiting for my starter to become bubbly. Sourdough bread is only flour, water, and salt. It’s hard to believe it […]

Read More

Episode 70: Autism and Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / February 19, 2019

Research is now finding that children with autism have altered gut flora that needs restoring. Listen to the research and miraculous stories of how cultured food are helping those with autism. These are some of my favorite stories of healings. . .

Read More

Personal Reasons My Family Eats Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / February 16, 2019

Everybody I know leads busy lives, but did you know there is always help for you? My family had a lot of big changes in 2017, but a constant through it all was the way each member of my family used and ate cultured foods. Maybe this could be the answer for you, too. But first, the journey. . .

Read More

Easy Ways To Heal Your Microbiome

By Donna Schwenk / February 2, 2019

I talk a lot about your body and what your body is made out of. Those 100 trillion microbes (which is more than ten times the cells in the body) that call you home are your constant companions. Most of you don’t even know your microbes because you can’t see them, but they know you and work their darndest to keep you alive each day. . .

Read More

Can Your Gut Heal Your Joints?

By Donna Schwenk / January 19, 2019

When I first started with cultured foods almost two decades ago, one of the first things I noticed was the relief of joint pain in my knee. This was in the very beginning of drinking and making kefir every day. If I quit drinking kefir, it only took about three to four days before the pain would return, so I kept drinking my kefir. . .

Read More

Can Sourdough Change the Gluten-Free Diet?

By Donna Schwenk / January 12, 2019

About ten years ago I went to a class on “How to Make Sourdough Bread.” My daughter had gluten intolerance and we found that she could eat sprouted bread without the side effects created by regular bread. I had heard that sourdough bread achieved similar results to the sprouted bread, and I wanted to try it. What I learned shocked me. . .

Read More

Best of Cultured Food Life 2018: Our Top Articles!

By Donna Schwenk / January 5, 2019

I hope 2018 was a wonderful year for you. I hope you incorporated cultured foods into your life and saw the difference they can make. I’ve been making and eating these foods for over sixteen years and they never cease to amaze and teach me. I hope you will look to this next year as a chance to find the you that you were always meant to be – healthy and happy. . .

Read More

Deborah Oskwarek

By Chris Johnston / December 21, 2018

Hello, My story starts about 55 years ago and it has to do with cancer and probiotics! Let me start about two years ago, though, when I first got interested…

Read More

Overeating During the Holidays? Cultured Foods Can Help

By Donna Schwenk / December 15, 2018

One of the most important things I’ve learned about health and wellness is that overeating can be just as stressful on your hardworking liver as drinking too much, but most people don’t know this. Overeating or having too much fatty food on your plate can make it difficult for the liver to function smoothly. . .

Read More

Spicy Kimchi

By Maci / December 6, 2018
Read More

Irene Bernstein

By Chris Johnston / November 29, 2018

I have been ill for 30 years. Terrible fatigue, brain fog, food allergies, chemical sensitivities. I had been to many, many practitioners, mostly natural. The only thing that helped was…

Read More

Episode 61: Fermented Foods for the Holidays

By Donna Schwenk / November 27, 2018

If you’re not eating cultured foods during the holidays you’re missing out! It’s a new and old way to take care of your body when decadent food is everywhere. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods, just include some of these options and watch what happens. . .

Read More

Episode 60: 10 Natural Miracles I Found to Lower Stress

By Donna Schwenk / November 19, 2018

All of us find ourselves in situations where we’re under tremendous stress which can cause anxiety. Here are the ten things that have helped me calm my mind and body in miraculous ways. It may not be what you think. . .

Read More

Episode 59: Help For Overeating on the Holidays

By Donna Schwenk / November 13, 2018

Do you overeat on Thanksgiving and Christmas? Overeating is as stressful to the liver as drinking too much alcohol. But there are ways to help your liver and your body, and also get more nutrients from your food. I’ll share what I do and the foods we eat and drink. Let this be the year that Thanksgiving makes you healthy. . .

Read More

Got an Acidic Stomach? The Surprising Remedy

By Donna Schwenk / November 10, 2018

In 2017, we moved across the country from Kansas City to Southern California to be closer to our two older children. Our family – Ron, me and our three kids and our son-in-law – are thick as thieves. I’ve always lived far away from my mom and dad and sisters who mostly reside on the east coast. […]

Read More

Episode 58: Easy Ways to Heal Your Microbiome

By Donna Schwenk / November 6, 2018

It’s so important to heal and nourish your gut. Hippocrates stated, “All diseases begin in the gut”. I found seven ways to accomplish the task and it changed everything for me. Let me show you easy ways to heal your gut. Love your body and let it shine for you. . .

Read More

Jasmin Griggs

By Chris Johnston / November 5, 2018

Donna, I want to thank you so much for putting this life-changing information out for people to discover. There was a point in my life when I was going through…

Read More

Symptoms of an Unbalanced Gut

By Donna Schwenk / November 3, 2018

Sometimes I wonder how I got here. Symptoms of disease struck my life almost two decades ago and it broke me. Those symptoms shook me to my core and I didn’t know that my body was desperately trying to get my attention to help me heal. And heal I did. With a grateful heart, I’m here trying with all I know to help you too. . .

Read More

Raspberry Protein Smoothie

By Donna Schwenk / October 24, 2018
Read More

Karen Sommer

By Chris Johnston / October 23, 2018

Donna Schwenk’s Cultured Food Life It’s saved my life. No kidding! After four serious bouts with diverticulitis and two hospital stays for abscesses, I knew I needed to make a…

Read More

The Peach Smoothie That Remembers When

By Donna Schwenk / October 14, 2018
Read More

Episode 53: Feeling Younger is an Inside Job

By Donna Schwenk / October 2, 2018

Use Your Body and Brain to Feel Younger and Stronger. Cultured foods are my secret weapon to staying young. Let me show you how easy it is to retrain your body, using your second brain – that resides in your gut. . .

Read More

Jenny Murphy

By Chris Johnston / September 30, 2018

Dear Donna, My story starts about ten years ago while battling Lyme’s Disease. I was in the throes of raising our 7 children and needed to remain active, yet that…

Read More

The Flu Shot in a Jar

By Donna Schwenk / September 29, 2018

Fall through winter is the time of year they call “flu season.” People are really afraid of it but I have often said, “The flu should be afraid of me!” When you build up the good bacteria in your body, you create an army that goes with you everywhere you go and touches every person you come in contact with. . .

Read More

Episode 52: How to Help Your Pets with Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / September 25, 2018

Pets need our help, and I have seen and heard countless stories of pets healing with the addition of kefir to their diet. We’ve seen dogs, cats, birds, horses, cows, hedgehogs, hamsters, and so many other animals heal from UTI’s, gastro issues, cancer, and so much more when they were given kefir. Check out the show and help our furry friends. You might just need this info at some time and you’ll be glad you listened. . .

Read More

Earl Grey Tea Pickles

By Donna Schwenk / September 9, 2018
Read More

Susie Florian

By Chris Johnston / August 30, 2018

Hi Donna, I just wanted to share that I had my 6th-month check-up this week. In 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 1). I completed chemotherapy treatments as…

Read More

Taco Baked Potato

By Maci / August 21, 2018
Read More

Fermented Salsa Verde

By Maci / August 16, 2018
Read More

Cultured Layered Bean Dip

By Maci / August 16, 2018
Read More

Fermenting Tip: Put a Lid on It?

By Donna Schwenk / July 18, 2018

When making milk kefir, many people have been taught to use a cloth and rubber band over the jar. This is one of the most common things that cause problems. When a cloth is used to cover a vessel for kefir, there is a risk of cross-contamination with wild yeasts in the air or even from other cultures, or foods nearby. . .

Read More

Episode 41: Controlling Your Cholesterol with Probiotics

By Donna Schwenk / July 10, 2018

There is so much misinformation about cholesterol. So many don’t understand how cholesterol works in the body, and how good bacteria helps keep your cholesterol in perfect balance. Gain wisdom and understanding about cholesterol and learn how you can keep it in control. . .

Read More

Basic Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / June 26, 2018
Read More

Episode 37: Summertime Healing

By Donna Schwenk / June 12, 2018

Certain foods and sources available in the summer time have nutrients that super charge the immune system. Check out my favorite cultured recipes and summer foods that are fun, easy to make, and oh so good for you. . .

Read More

Fermented Asian Salad Video! 📹

By Donna Schwenk / June 9, 2018

This salad is one of my very favorite cultured meals. It’s perfect for summertime and a wonderful way to change your microbiome from the inside out. I try to eat fruits and veggies at every meal. It is one of the best ways to stay balanced and it’s fantastic for lowering inflammation, balancing your hormones, and keeping those little microbes in your gut fed and happy. . .

Read More

Fermented Asian Salad

By Donna Schwenk / June 9, 2018
Read More

Episode 35: Will Eating Probiotic Foods Make Any Difference?

By Donna Schwenk / May 29, 2018

Most people don’t understand the hundreds of processes in the body that happen 24 hours a day. What things can you do to be healthy? What do probiotic foods actually do? Check out today’s show to learn new information to achieve your best life ever. . .

Read More

Episode 30: Microbes – If you don’t feed them, they can eat you!

By Donna Schwenk / April 24, 2018

Find out how important it is to feed your microbes. If your trillions of microbes don’t get what they need, they can start to eat the mucosal lining of the gut, leading to leaky gut, IBS, and more. Find out how to keep them happy and fed. […]

Read More

Barbara Moore

By Chris Johnston / April 17, 2018

Hi Donna, I was reluctant to try cultured food because I have spent more money than I can afford on things that might help me feel better and I really…

Read More

Cultured Celery

By Donna Schwenk / April 12, 2018
Read More

Berry Instant Ice Cream

By Donna Schwenk / April 6, 2018
Read More

Gut Juice

By Donna Schwenk / April 5, 2018
Read More

Blender Salsa

By Donna Schwenk / April 5, 2018
Read More

Best Black Bean Soup

By Donna Schwenk / April 5, 2018
Read More

Blueberry Blast Smoothie

By Donna Schwenk / April 4, 2018
Read More

Maryanne Carter

By Chris Johnston / March 15, 2018

Dear Donna Thank you very much for the ebooks and for sharing your story. Finding you online and following your information has made a big change in my life. It’s…

Read More

Jennifer Klaverkamp

By Chris Johnston / February 27, 2018

I’ve told my story to anyone that will listen but realized tonight I never said thanks to you. About 3 years ago I was frustrated at the never-ending infections, breathing…

Read More

Cheese Cloth

By Chris Johnston / February 26, 2018

Use this cheesecloth for making cottage cheese, straining yogurts, wrapping hard cheeses, or even creating herb and spice bouquets for your signature stocks. Cheesecloth is used for draining large curd…

Read More

Episode 20: How To Keep Your Gut Healthy if You Have To take an Antibiotic

By Donna Schwenk / February 13, 2018

If you have to take antibiotics we have good news! Let me show you how to keep your healthy bacteria alive and thriving, even when you must take antibiotics. It’s really important that you help your good gut flora thrive. This can prevent you from ever needing to take antibiotics again. Your body knows how to keep you well! […]

Read More

Bonkers

By Chris Johnston / February 12, 2018

This is Bonkers, one of our rescue cats. He has the Herpes virus and suffered from terrible mucous and irregular bowels for years. Our veterinarian recommended a Lysine supplement It…

Read More

I Stopped Eating Cultured Foods ~ Here’s What Happened!

By Donna Schwenk / February 10, 2018

I’ve been eating cultured foods for almost sixteen years. I eat them most every day with very few exceptions. When I first started eating cultured foods, I had diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and felt discouraged and depressed […]

Read More

Episode 18: The Flu Shot in a Jar

By Donna Schwenk / January 30, 2018

Find out how to avoid the flu/cold this year. This is what I use for my family, and myself and is an all-natural flu/cold remedies that work to keep you healthy for years on end! Listen in as I tell what happened to me when I stopped eating cultured foods for a month and a half. I did an experiment on myself and the results were shocking […]

Read More

What’s This On My Cultured Vegetables?

By Donna Schwenk / January 21, 2018

Cultured vegetables are so easy to make with just a few exceptions. First of all, this is one of the safest ways to preserve your vegetables. It is scientifically impossible to get botulism from cultured vegetables. […]

Read More

Episode 16: What Probiotics Do You Need for Different Ailments

By Donna Schwenk / January 16, 2018

Open minded health providers are starting to prescribe probiotics for different health ailments. Learn which probiotics they’re prescribing and how you can heal yourself by eating probiotic cultured foods. […]

Read More

Buffalo Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / January 6, 2018
Read More

Best of Cultured Food Life 2017: Our Top Articles and Videos!

By Donna Schwenk / December 30, 2017

I hope 2017 was a wonderful year for you. I hope you incorporated cultured foods into your life and saw the difference they can make. I’ve been making and eating these foods for over fifteen years and they never cease to amaze and teach me. […]

Read More

Omar Galeano

By Chris Johnston / December 13, 2017

I have used Kefir for over 15 years, and I absolutely swear by it. Prior to using it habitually I had severe allergy attacks, a constant struggle with heartburn (…

Read More

Autism and Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / November 25, 2017

Her name was Mary and she changed my life the day I met her. It was the very beginning of my journey with cultured foods, and I was in hiding with my newfound knowledge. People didn’t understand what I was doing, and the thought of letting food ferment on your counter […]

Read More

Episode 5: When hormones go #!%& crazy, check your gut!

By Donna Schwenk / October 9, 2017

Hormones can rule the day! Help your hormones out when things get out of whack by keeping your gut in check. Learn how to keep things in balance with the help of your microbes. […]

Read More

Spanish Kimchi

By Donna Schwenk / October 7, 2017
Read More

Mr. Picky and Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / September 30, 2017

Do you have picky eaters at your house? Do your friends and family scoff at eating cultured foods? Well, let me tell you about Mister Picky Eater, my husband. When I married him (30 years ago) he ate nothing green. […]

Read More

My New Book “Cultured Food in a Jar”!

By Donna Schwenk / August 22, 2017

Cookbooks — I have a lot of them, 229 to be exact, and as you can see from the picture of the bookcase in my living room, I have quite a collection. My daughter Maci said to me, “I have a lot of cookbooks too, but you know which one I use the most?” […]

Read More

Wendy Bartsch

By Chris Johnston / August 15, 2017

About a year after menopause I started getting recurrent UTIs. I was on an antibiotic roller coaster. The final straw was going from one antibiotic right to another. A whole…

Read More

Cultured Food in a Jar

By Chris Johnston / August 7, 2017

YOU WILL love Cultured Food in a Jar Order now! Hi friends! I am so excited to present my new book to you all — Cultured Food in a Jar…

Read More

Rebecca Willis

By Chris Johnston / July 28, 2017

Hi there, Donna! I bought milk kefir grains from you back in early 2014, after watching your moving testimonial video. My son, Hudson was 4 years old at the time…

Read More

Blueberry Spinach Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / July 3, 2017
Read More

You’ll Never Think of Fruit Salad the Same Way Again 🍓🍎

By Donna Schwenk / July 1, 2017

It was a warm summer day and I needed a salad, and a fruit salad was just the ticket. When I said I needed a salad this is not just because I think that it’s good for me, but rather because I needed certain nutrients that only these special foods could provide. […]

Read More

Stainless Steel Strainer

By Donna Schwenk / June 27, 2017

Description This 3″ fine single mesh strainer is perfect for straining kefir and kombucha!! The 3″ round size of this strainer makes it perfect for smaller cooking or baking tasks,…

Read More

The Real Reason Men Need Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / June 14, 2017

My husband was the last one in my family to try cultured foods. I experimented on my children first. My kids were sick and I wanted them to be well, so we all ate cultured food; and much to my surprise, everybody got better. […]

Read More

Fermented Sweet Peppers

By Maci / June 10, 2017
Read More

Spicy Cultured Beets and Honey

By Donna Schwenk / May 13, 2017
Read More

What Are Cultured Foods? Restorative Foods for the Body

By Donna Schwenk / April 8, 2017

Cultured Foods and LACTO-Fermented Foods are the same thing. The “lacto” in “lacto-fermentation” comes from the bacteria “lactobacillus.” Many strains of lacto-bacteria and yeasts are involved in culturing or fermenting foods. […]

Read More

Nicole Neville

By Chris Johnston / April 8, 2017

Debilitating tiredness – getting much much better! Severe asthma symptoms – gone! Cravings for carbs and sweets – gone! I’ve been drinking kefir and kombucha on a daily basis for…

Read More

Six Easy Ways To Store Your Cultured Foods

By Donna Schwenk / March 25, 2017

Having lots of fermented foods in your fridge is the same as having a medicine cabinet stocked with natural remedies. We reach for these foods not only to keep us healthy and disease free but also when we find ourselves struggling with a virus, stomach ache, or any other kind of ailment that requires extra body support. […]

Read More

Can I Eat Probiotic Foods While Taking Antibiotics?

By Donna Schwenk / February 11, 2017

I routinely talk about each member of The Trilogy (Kefir, Kombucha, and Cultured Vegetables) and how each member has specific things your body needs to help you change your life. But here is even more good news about this trio. […]

Read More

Bridget H.

By Chris Johnston / February 4, 2017

Back in December of 2016 I have the car but my hands to come pick me up once they got there I’m a heart rate was completely out of control…

Read More

Probiotic Soup Secrets

By Donna Schwenk / January 28, 2017

Soup can not only comfort your mind and your gut, but soup also has secret healing modalities that perhaps you’re not aware of. I think combining soups with cultured foods can help cure what ails you in a myriad of ways, but soup can stand on its own as a powerful kitchen medicine. […]

Read More

L.A.

By Chris Johnston / January 26, 2017

In January 2016, I began to have weakness in my forearms, more so in my right forearm. I initially attributed it to soreness associated with activities. Over the course of…

Read More

Cassie Barnhart

By Chris Johnston / January 5, 2017

Two years ago my son and I developed eczema shortly after he was born. I knew that it was somehow connected to the IV antibiotics I received while I was…

Read More

Yogurt: Basics

By Donna Schwenk / January 2, 2017

I love to eat and make yogurt. I love kefir with every fiber of my being and have it every day, but there were bacterial strains that kefir didn’t have…

Read More

Best of Cultured Food Life 2016: Our Top Articles

By Donna Schwenk / December 31, 2016

As we close out 2016, I hope you will look to this next year as a chance to find the you that you were always meant to be – healthy and happy. This is our top content of the year that you may have missed. Below you’ll find some of our most popular blogs of the year. […]

Read More

Tammie Kruse

By Chris Johnston / December 28, 2016

Hello to all that are healing: I am 56 years old and have struggled all my life with weight issues, digestive issues, and hypoglycemia. I am a Naturopathic Healer, attended…

Read More

Baked Sourdough French Toast

By Donna Schwenk / December 15, 2016
Read More

Thank You Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / November 25, 2016
Read More

Cultured Classes in Your Kitchen

By Donna Schwenk / November 19, 2016

I was taking my daughter to acting class this week, and I got a text from one of my team members. He told me to get a box of kleenex and to read the email. I stopped the car to read the email, and with tears streaming down my cheeks I was reminded once again how thankful I am for all the struggles that have brought me here. […]

Read More

Erin Cretsinger

By Chris Johnston / November 16, 2016

Our story of healing is quite a miracle to us! I play the role of supermom (without the cape) to five sons, the youngest of which became extremely ill for…

Read More

The Foods That Made Me Change My Life

By Donna Schwenk / November 13, 2016

A lot of suffering in this world comes from the fear of discomfort. In my own personal life, pain has come to teach me things and get me to change. I resisted it, fought it, and finally changed when I could do nothing else. […]

Read More

Pamela Fife

By Chris Johnston / November 7, 2016

Not sure how to start one of these, but here goes. Several years ago, about 6 or 7 years, I began to get really sick. Just all of a sudden…

Read More

Quart Jar

By Chris Johnston / October 13, 2016

This wide mouth 32 oz. quart-size jar is perfect for making Milk Kefir and Water Kefir, and also for storing Cultured Vegetables in the refrigerator. Donna makes kefir in this…

Read More

Martha Fowler

By Chris Johnston / October 11, 2016

It was a classic miscommunication. I was running out of the house to an evening meeting at the end of an activity-packed day. The night before we had shared a…

Read More

Kombucha Apple Scrap Vinegar!

By Donna Schwenk / October 8, 2016

Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. Kombucha vinegar is very similar and has many of the same properties. This recipe uses the convenience of kombucha to speed up the process of making vinegar and uses apple scraps to give it that tangy apple taste. […]

Read More

Half-Gallon Jar

By Donna Schwenk / October 7, 2016

Proudly Made in the USA: Our half gallon glass jars are USDA certified food grade. Our glass jars are perfect for displaying food in cafes, bakeries, restaurants, or in your…

Read More

How to Make Ginger Soda – Delicious Medicine for Your Body

By Donna Schwenk / September 24, 2016

The “ginger bug” has grown in popularity over the years and is a fantastic way to make soda for your family. You don’t need a starter culture or even kefir whey. A ginger bug is a mixture of sugar, ginger, and water that captures wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria. […]

Read More

Sweet ‘n’ Sour SCOBY Sorbet

By Maci / August 28, 2016
Read More

SCOBY Smoothie

By Maci / August 28, 2016
Read More

SCOBY Slushy

By Maci / August 28, 2016
Read More

Eddie

By Chris Johnston / August 26, 2016

This is our almost 12 yr old dog, Eddie. Kefir saved his life last week! He stopped eating, couldn’t walk very well, and was fading fast. I think he drank…

Read More

Shipping Policy

By Chris Johnston / August 18, 2016

We offer free shipping to all 50 states for products in this category that total over $99. US territories do not qualify for free shipping. (sorry!) We will determine the…

Read More

Starter Cultures ~ The Science Experiment

By Donna Schwenk / August 13, 2016

So, let’s talk about starter cultures! I would like to clear up some confusion involving starter cultures and ratios. In my first book, Cultured Food For Life, the recipe for kefir called for 1 cup of milk to 1 tablespoon of kefir grains. […]

Read More

Do you ship outside of the U.S.A?

By Chris Johnston / June 21, 2016

A Do you ship outside of the U.S.A? No, we don’t ship outside of the United States. Sorry! When dealing with live cultures, there are just too many factors that…

Read More

Claudia Riemer

By Chris Johnston / June 15, 2016

I started making my own kefir once I learned about your blog and I learned how to make kefir first I started making kombucha and now I’m a keeper and…

Read More

Moscow Mule Kombucha Mocktail

By Maci / June 3, 2016
Read More

Cultured Veggie Cosmo Mocktail

By Maci / June 3, 2016
Read More

Probiotic Salads and Dressings

By Donna Schwenk / May 15, 2016

Everybody knows we should eat more salads, but if you make probiotic salads you quadruple the benefits. The most powerful food combo you can have is prebiotics (food for bacteria)…

Read More

Kimchi

By Donna Schwenk / April 24, 2016
Read More

Lemon Kraut

By Donna Schwenk / March 27, 2016
Read More

Can You Reuse the Brine From Cultured Vegetables?

By Donna Schwenk / March 27, 2016

If you add a starter culture to your cultured vegetables, like Cutting Edge Cultures or another starter culture, then you’re going to have extra bacteria in your culture that are stronger than just using salt and no culture. […]

Read More

Probiotic Pets!

By Donna Schwenk / March 20, 2016

This little guy in the picture is my puppy Scoby (pronounced like kombucha SCOBY) enjoying his kefir. Kefir is incredibly good for dogs and we hear many stories of how it helps them in so many ways. Did you know that your pets need probiotics, too? […]

Read More

I’m going on vacation. How do I keep my grains alive and happy while I’m gone?

By Chris Johnston / March 16, 2016

A I’m going on vacation. How do I keep my grains alive and happy while I’m gone? If you don’t want to make new kefir and want to store it,…

Read More

Probiotics and Your Skin

By Donna Schwenk / March 13, 2016

Skin Care Hi everyone! My name is Maci Dierking, formerly Maci Schwenk. I am Donna’s eldest daughter and I love cultured food too! I wanted to share with you some…

Read More

Jerilee Auclair

By Chris Johnston / February 22, 2016

Donna, I cannot THANK YOU enough! I am so amazed. I ALWAYS knew the answer was in the food but could not figure out which ones. I was on anti-depressants…

Read More

Rosemary Acorn Squash

By Maci / January 24, 2016
Read More