~ Lacto-Fermented Soda Pop ~

This has got to be one of the funnest lacto-fermented foods I have done yet. Lets by honest, soda or pop is fun. My dad can still remember the soda fountain at the local drugstore. Do you know why it was at the drugstore? It was considered an elixir, a health tonic because the actual root or herbs was used to make colas and rootbeers. Now days, pop is nothing but HFCS or sugar, carbonation, and acid the changes the pH of your body increasing your risk of health problems down the road.

starter culture consisting of water, fresh diced ginger, and some organic cane sugar

Thanks to LearningHerbs.com I have found the perfect solution for getting my bubbly fix. First you have to make your starter culture. It takes about a week and is really easy as long as you remember to feed it. Even if you don't remember to feed it every day, it will still work.

our fresh grapes from one of my mom's friends, frozen fruit works well too our grapes simmering in a half gallon of water with one and a half cups a organic cane sugar

Once your fruit mixture is fruity enough, dump the whole mixture into a gallons jar and fill the rest of the jar with water leaving room for one cup of your starter culture. You want to let it cool for a little bit so that when you add your starter culture you don't kill it. Let it sit on the counter for 3 to 7 days, until it is bubbly enough and sweet enough for your liking. If you want a less sweet product let it sit a little longer. It is not an absolute process.

our grape soda, bottled and ready to go

After you bottle it let it sit for another day or two to let the natural carbonation build up. Don't let them sit for too long or they might exploded or they might ferment into alcohol. I let my last batch sit for too long and now they taste just like beer. I don't like beer. I am going to try Lemon-Lime and Cherry for my next batches. The kids have been asking for "Cherry 7-Up". So, ferment away and enjoy a bubbly drink that is actually good for you.