Oly-Cultures Ferments Healthy Probiotics in Olympia

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Submitted by Tate Wilson

Did you know that 70% of our immune system takes place in our gut.  Therefore, keeping a healthy digestive system is very important.  Healthy bacteria and probiotics in our diet are vital to achieving this balance.

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Freshly flavored milk kefir can be used in a morning breakfast drink. Photo credit: Julie Martin.

Oly-Cultures is an established company based in Olympia and is the creation of Julie Martin.  Julie believes it is important for us to know about the importance of healthy bacteria and probiotics existing in our bodies.  It is her mission to provide a means for our communities to have access to these live cultures to ferment their own healthy probiotics using DIY kits for milk kefir, water kefir and kombucha.  Not only that, she also offers classes throughout the Pacific Northwest on many food related topics including cultivating probiotic cultures.

Oly-Cultures took root in Olympia about two years ago and has continued to grow in popularity, both in products and classes.  Julie realized that the health benefits of fermenting at home far outweigh store bought products.  This is because store bought probiotic drinks undergo pasteurization and forced carbonation which leaves the consumer with a less than ideal product.  Real health begins in the home, not in a store.

Julie’s home preparation of kefir and kombucha resulted in a big surplus of kefir and kombucha byproducts. She found means of sharing the surplus with others through social media and craigslist.  With her families and friends encouragement and support she established Oly-Cultures DIY starter kits.

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An assortment of flavored water kefirs uses the freshest fruit. Photo credit: Julie Martin.

Oly-Cultures most popular DIY kit is the “Complete Kombucha Starter Kit.”  Kombucha is a probiotic drink which has been around for thousands of years.  The gelatinous thick scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) is added to brewed tea to aid in its fermentation.  The finished product can be flavored with an infinite number of flavorings from herbs to fruit and even flower and tree buds.  This super health drink is full of probiotics and gives the consumer energy as caffeine is left in the finished product.  Many store bought kombucha brands force carbonation using CO2 rather than letting carbonation occur naturally.  When you brew your own, this natural carbonation creates a noticeable difference in the end product.

Another Oly-Cultures DIY kits is the “Milk Kefir Starter Kit.”  Like kombucha, milk kefir has also been a healthy drink for thousands of years.  Kefir is created by a culture that looks a bit like minature popcorn. These small “grains” are added to milk to make it ferment.  The process is quick, taking only a few days.  The finished product is similar in taste to yogurt and is nothing like what is found in the grocery stores.  It is great to drink it straight up or it can be used as a replacement for milk in all your baking recipes.  We even make a variety of cheeses out of kefir milk.  Making your own kefir milk is much healthier than buying kefir from the store.  In order for kefir to make it to the store shelves it has to undergo pasteurization, which kills off much of its health benefits.  Pasteurization strips much of the naturally occurring probiotics and healthy bacteria.

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Julie Martin reviews the different options for milk when making cheese. Photo credit: Elizabeth Ashbrook.

Buying a kit to make your own kefir or kombucha is a great idea if you wish to have more control over your health and your wallet.  Oly-Cultures DIY kits make a great gift that keeps on giving, literally.  These cultures will continue to multiply with proper care indefinitely.

If you would like to take a deeper look into the process of fermenting your own cultures and discover the many tips and tricks to be a successful probiotic brewer you should consider taking one of Julie’s classes. Class dates and locations can be found on Oly-Cultures website and is updated often.  Her classes not only cover kefir and kombucha but include cheese making and other culinary delights.

Olympia has always nurtured it’s small businesses and promotes sustainability and a health conscious community.  Oly-Cultures fits right in with the Olympia spirit and is growing rapidly as its products fill shelves in over 30 intentionally chosen food stores, brew supply stores and naturopath shops around the Pacific Northwest.  Oly-Cultures keeps business as local as possible by using in town companies for its needs.

As Oly-Cultures grows so does Julie’s inspiration.  She is working on a number of grants and collaborations with other businesses to spread awareness of the benefits of these products as well as make healthier and less expensive options available to everyone.  Any questions about Oly-Cultures business ideas or products are encouraged.  Please contact Julie Martin at olycultures@yahoo.com or visit Oly-Cultures on Facebook.

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