Turkey Brine

Stock up now – it takes four quarts of kefir to brine a whole turkey, and it’s the best investment you’ll make this holiday season! For the second day of Thanksgiving Recipe Week we made a turkey brine with plain kefir, which makes the meat extra juicy and gives it a mouthwatering flavor. Brining is a 2-day process of soaking a turkey in a salt-based solution to tenderize the meat. As the turkey soaks it absorbs the extra moisture and the salt breaks down the protein. Basically, the turkey is taking a luxurious salt bath. Isn’t our turkey sodium cute?! TIP: Brined turkeys cook faster than a turkey that hasn’t been brined, so make sure to regularly check the internal temperature as it cooks in the oven.

Marinade Meat

Marinating your choice of protein in kefir is a great way to turn tough, bland cuts into tender, juicy masterpieces. This is thanks to two things: lactic acid and the live and live and active probiotic cultures found in kefir. Both work to break down the proteins in meat, making it softer and easier to digest. Because lactic acid is only mildly acidic, it works more slowly than other acidic marinades, meaning you’re generally ok letting the meat rest overnight or throughout the day.

Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know

With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.

Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.

Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.

Prebiotics + Probiotics =  a Healthy You

Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.