The earliest record of fermented food dates back to 6000 B.C. in the fertile cresent. But since then almost every world culture has discovered fermented foods as way of preservation and flavor enhancement. Fermented apples are a fall staple in many Eastern European countries — there are so many apple-based fermented foods. Apple cider vinegar, apple brandy, fermented applesauce, apple wine, and apple sauerkraut. But today’s fermented recipe is a sweet, acidic fruit pickle perfect for adding to smoothie bowls, oatmeal or just eaten solo for a healthy snack. Lacto-fermented apples contain natural probiotics AND have the magical taste of fall.
How About Fermented Apples?
Another added benefit? According to Dogs Naturally magazine, fermented apples are a great probiotic treat your dog too. Probiotics are a powerful way to restore Fido’s intestinal health, especially after a round of antibiotics. They go on to say, “While most probiotic supplements you’d buy contain about 10 billion units of bacteria, fermented foods can contain 10 trillion units.”
Fermented foods are also more digestible and your dog gets more nutrition out of them than he would out of the same unfermented apple. As an example, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) contains much more vitamin C than cabbage.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of apples, chopped (crispy, sweet and organic varieties are our favorite)
- ½ teaspoon SCD Essential Probiotics
- Filtered, chlorine-free water
- Optional herbs and spices: half an orange peel, half a lemon peel, one cinnamon stick, 1 tsp. cloves, 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger, a few leaves of fresh mint, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, raisins, nuts, vanilla beans or any combination of the above.
Materials
- Fermentation container with an air-tight lid.
Instructions
- Slice the apples and add to your fermentation container. Add any combination of herbs and spices; it’s especially nice to choose flavors that are in season. If you do choose to use nuts or dried fruit, subtract that amount from the amount of apples you use.
- Fill your container with chlorine-free, filtered water, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Seal with an airtight lid and store away from direct sunlight for 1-2 days.
- After 1-2 days the apples will begin to bubble and fizz. Put them in the fridge to slow the fermentation process, because they’re ready.
Note: Don’t let your apples ferment for more than 3 days or you may end up with an alcoholic beverage!
So don’t delay! Concoct a batch of fermented apples to enjoy yourself. And share a probiotic treat with your favorite canine companion, too.
