In the kitchen: Add a probiotic punch with fermented carrots

If you're looking for an idea for an unusual yet healthy snack, fermented carrots are a great choice. Simple to prepare, full of nutrients, and delicious in taste – try them, and they'll become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 450 grams of carrots,
• 1 litre of water,
• 1 tablespoon of salt,
• 2 garlic cloves,
• 1 bay leaf,
• 2 allspice berries,
• a few slices of ginger (optional).

Preparation:

1. Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks. Place them vertically in a sterilised jar, layering them with garlic, allspice, bay leaf, and ginger if you prefer a stronger flavour.
2. Mix the water with salt until it is completely dissolved, and pour it over the carrots to cover them completely.
3. Close the jar, but not too tightly, and leave it in a warm place for 5–7 days. Check daily if the ferment needs degassing. After this time, store the jar in a cool place.

Fermented carrots are not only an interesting flavour but also a great way to enrich your diet with natural probiotics that support gut health and immunity. Additionally, carrots are a source of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fibre, which aid vision, healthy skin, and proper digestion. Fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients, making them more accessible to the body.

Fermented carrots are a versatile addition to your daily cooking. Their slightly sour taste and crunchy texture make them suitable for both simple and more sophisticated dishes.

1. Salads: chop fermented carrots into smaller pieces and add them to vegetable salads. They pair well with lettuce, rocket, bell peppers, and toasted sunflower seeds.
2. Sandwiches and wraps: place a few sticks of fermented carrot on a sandwich or add to a wrap with vegetables and grilled meat – it will enhance the flavour and add crunchiness.
3. Soups: add fermented carrots to borscht, potato, or vegetable soups to give them a slight tangy aroma.
4. Side dish for supper: serve as an alternative to traditional salads. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, fish, or vegetable cutlets.
5. Healthy snack: enjoy fermented carrots straight from the jar as a healthy and low-calorie snack between meals.
6. Tacos and burgers: add fermented carrots to tacos or burgers as a unique, refreshing addition that complements the taste of meat and other ingredients.
7. Sauces and dips: blend fermented carrots with a bit of yoghurt, garlic, and olive oil to create a light dip or sauce base.