Peripatetic philomaths…focusing on what's really important, eating ethically and cleanly, fermenting, foraging/wildcrafting, practicing herbalism, and being responsible stewards of our land. Sharing our photos, musings, and learnings. Still seeking our tribe.
I remember, one summer after we bought the farm (ha!), looking quizzically at a tall, leafy tree laden with fruit and wondering what in the world it was. A berry tree? And one where the berries seemingly grow right out of the branches? Will wonders never cease? I discovered that it was a mulberry, and that those berries are very much edible!
Continue reading “Kefir Madness: Mighty Mulberry”
The watermelon rind pickles are happily fermenting away, and we’ve been enjoying the refreshing coolness of the watermelon flesh right out of the refrigerator. But when fresh fruit is around, it almost always works its way into water kefir, and watermelon is no exception!
Continue reading “Kefir Madness: Waste-Free Watermelon”
As the fragrance of elderberry syrup wafts from my adorable 3-quart Instant Pot, I think of hot summer days, picking clusters of purple berries and, later, picking berries from the stems with fingers stained a dark bordeaux. In the depths of winter, those days are a mere memory, but the fruits of those labors are very real.
Continue reading “Wildcrafted: Easy Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup *v2.0*”
Just because temperatures are below freezing and snow’s in the forecast doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a taste of the tropics – and with the goodness of water kefir, also give your immune system a boost with beneficial probiotics. Today, I bottled a flavor I call “Tropical” and have Banana Cream and Lime-Coconut doing a second ferment.
Continue reading “Kefir Madness: Escape To The Tropics”
It’s elderberry foraging season! Ever since I discovered how easy it is to make immune-boosting (and delicious) elderberry syrup in the Instant Pot, it’s become my go-to method. And that syrup is the perfect addition to the probiotic goodness of water kefir!
Continue reading “Ferment This: No Sugar Added Elderberry Water Kefir”
Just as the black raspberries are done for the season, big, bold blackberries appear. They may not be quite as sweet, but they still make delicious probiotic beverages, like water kefir!
Continue reading “Ferment This: Wild Blackberry Water Kefir”
Happy New Year!! While it may technically be a holiday, ferments happen here on every day of the year. Here’s a peek at what’s fermenting!
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: New Year’s Day 2021”
Making water kefir is a daily routine for me: I’m either starting a first ferment or second ferment each day. Keeping the grains happy means feeding them properly and regularly, and happy grains make wonderfully effervescent kefir!
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Simple Strawberry (And Grapefruit) Water Kefir”
What happens when you marry the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh orange water kefir and the crisp and uplifting notes of homemade pine needle-infused vodka? An incredibly smooth and complex drink that will make the holidays very happy, indeed!
Continue reading “Farm Tipples: The Conifer Crush”
