Cultured Beverages
One of the most refreshing sources of active probiotics and herbal nutrition is an artisanal, lactofermented beverage. From slightly sweet and fruity, to salty and slightly sour, our Kombuchas, Kefirs, Juns, Kvasses and Cabbage Tonics offer something for every palate. To support a healthy microbiome, drink at least 4 ounces a day.
Beets are sliced and cultured in water with yogurt whey and Celtic sea salt to make this traditional tonic drink. Sally Fallon Morell describes this drink as being "valuable for its medicinal qualities and as a digestive aid. Beets are just loaded with nutrients. One 4-ounce glass, morning and night, is an excellent blood tonic, promotes regularity, aids digestion, alkalizes the blood, cleanses the liver and is a good treatment for kidney stones and other ailments..." (Nourishing Traditions, page 608)
Ingredients: beets,* yogurt whey,* Celtic sea salt (* = organic)
Recipe is gluten-free.
Recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, nightshade-free, and GAPS & Paleo Diets-friendly.
This delicious seasonal offering of cabbage tonic features anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger to keep us limber in the cooler seasons.
Ingredients: filtered water, green cabbage*, turmeric root*, ginger root*, Celtic sea salt (* = organic)
Recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and GAPS Diet-friendly.
Organic white tea and unrefined sugar are cultured with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), and then flavored with fresh ginger and lime to produce a slightly tart and bold flavor. Kombucha is considered by many to have a detoxifying effect on the body.
Ingredients: filtered water, white tea*, cane sugar*, ginger root*, lime juice*, lime zest* (* = organic)
Organic gunpowder green tea and unrefined sugar are cultured with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), and then flavored with organic grape juice for a delicious fermented kombucha drink. Kombucha is considered by many to have a detoxifying effect on the body.
Ingredients: filtered water, gunpowder green tea*, cane sugar*, Concord grape juice* (* = organic)
Organic white tea and unrefined sugar are cultured with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), and then flavored with grapefruit juice and sage. Kombucha is considered by many to have a detoxifying effect on the body. The healing properties of sage and the beneficial antioxidants from grapefruit make for a refreshing and healthful drink.
Ingredients: filtered water, white tea, organic grapefruits, organic sage, organic cane sugar
Organic jasmine tea and unrefined sugar are cultured with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), and then flavored with Holy Basil, known for having notes of pepermint, cloves, licorice or lemon. Canary melon, reminiscent of canteloupe, lends a gently sweet taste with a hint of pineapple to this unique beverage. Kombucha is considered by many to have a detoxifying effect on the body.
Ingredients: jasmine tea*, cane sugar*, holy basil (tulsi)*, canary melon* (* = organic)
Organic rooibos "red bush" tea (no caffeine!) and unrefined sugar are cultured with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), and flavored with a mixture of spices to produce a warm, sweet & spicy, woody vanilla flavor. Kombucha, a traditional probiotic beverage, is considered by many to have a detoxifying effect on the body.
Dairy-free water kefir. Water kefir grains, also called tibicos, are used to ferment a base of filtered water with unrefined cane sugar and just a touch of molasses. The sugars are metabolized by the kefir grains to produce a light but rich effervescent base. The brew is then flavored with apple juice and cranberry concentrate to produce a bubbly probiotic “soda.” Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, making this not only a delicious drink but a nourishing tonic as well.
Ingredients: filtered water, apple juice (apples,* ascorbic acid), cranberry concentrate*, cane sugar*, molasses* (* = organic)
A very floral and citrusy dairy-free water kefir. Water kefir grains, also called tibicos, are used to ferment a base of filtered water with unrefined cane sugar and just a touch of molasses. The sugars are metabolized by the kefir grains to produce a light but rich effervescent base. The brew is then flavored with hibiscus and rose to produce a bubbly probiotic “soda.”
Ingredients: filtered water, cane sugar*, molasses*, raw unfiltered honey, rose petals*, Meyer lemon zest* (*=organic)
With rosemary and pear this refreshing drink has a crisp and lively character. Jun is a unique cultured beverage that is made from honey and green tea. Referred to by many as "the champagne of kombuchas," the origins of Jun are shrouded in mystery…some say it originates in Tibet. It uses a culture similar to a kombucha SCOBY or water kefir grains. This is a perfect alternative for those who prefer to avoid all refined sugar, or are on GAPS protocol, as the only sweetener is honey.
Ingredients: filtered water, gunpowder green tea*, raw unfiltered honey, pear juice*, fresh rosemary*, vanilla bean* (* = organic)
For this very special shrub, we infused calcium-rich herbs in vinegar for several weeks to extract their bone-building minerals. Then we strained the vinegar and mixed it with nectar from local pears and raw honey. This shrub can be used to make a delicious beverage by diluting it 4:1 with bubbly or still water, a sprig of mint or a squeeze of lime (or both).
Ingredients: pears*, raw unfiltered honey, Bernie's Best raw apple cider vinegar* infused with herbs (dandelion*, elderflower*, parsley*, nettles*, mustard greens*) (* = organic)
Recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and GAPS-diet friendly.
New in our line of "healthy bones" seasonal shrubs! We infuse calcium-rich dill and other herbs in vinegar for several weeks to extract their bone-building minerals. Then we strain the vinegar and mixed it with freshly juiced, perfectly ripe local watermelon (also a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and raw unfiltered local honey. This shrub can be used to make a delicious beverage by diluting it 4:1 with bubbly or still water.
Ingredients: watermelon*, raw Bernie's apple cider vinegar* infused with herbs (dill*, dandelion*, locally foraged horsetail, nettle*, parsley*), raw unfiltered honey (* = organic)
Recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and GAPS-diet friendly.
THIS PRODUCT IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH BULK SALES TO BERKELEY AND EL CERRITO NATURAL GROCERY -- IF YOU SEE IT ON OUR WEBSITE, PLEASE DON'T ORDER IT. THANK YOU.