Boost Your Gut Health with These Simple Lunches

After months of trialing and perfecting our recipes, we’re thrilled to finally launch our River Cottage Live Organic Ferments with Cultjar. 

Now, when most people hear the word “ferment,” they might think of shows like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, where celebrities are made to eat all sorts of fermented oddities, like fermented eggs. But when we talk about ferments, we’re referring to something much more enjoyable, and, in fact, really good for you! 

Our ferments combine gut-friendly goodness, vibrant flavours, and high-quality organic ingredients. They’re not just your average condiments—these little powerhouses are packed with probiotics, vegan, gluten-free, and made with ethically sourced spices. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a zesty topping, or an ingredient to elevate your dishes, these ferments add a delightful twist to your everyday meals.

The Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods have been enjoyed for centuries, known for their ability to support digestive health. They may also support gut health—in fact, a small Norwegian study of 34 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that those who added sauerkraut to their diet saw significant improvements in their IBS symptoms. 

Fermented foods are filled with probiotics—good bacteria that help keep your gut microbiome balanced. A healthy gut is key not only for digestion but also for boosting your immune system, improving skin health, and even enhancing your mood. By incorporating these live culture ferments into your meals, you’re giving your diet a nourishing boost.

We know that thinking of creative ways to use ferments in your cooking can feel tricky, but it’s actually easier than you think. To make it even simpler, Cultjar has shared some of their favourite recipes that showcase just how easy and delicious it is to incorporate River Cottage Ferments into your everyday dishes.

Delicious Ways to Use Ferments in Everyday Recipes

Now, let’s dive into some creative ways to incorporate these ferments into your everyday meals. These recipes will not only improve your gut health but also leave your taste buds satisfied.

Hugh’s Classic: The Traditional Twist

Hugh’s Classic ferment is a nod to the Nordic-style sauerkraut, made with a mix of white cabbage, carrot, and caraway seeds. This crunchy, tangy delight adds a refreshing lift to any dish.

Its versatility shines through as it can be used in a variety of ways:

• Perfect topping for a juicy sausage hot dog – The crunchiness of the carrots and the caraway seeds make a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy sausage.
• With smoked mackerel – The tangy, salty flavours of the mackerel pair wonderfully with the acidity of the ferment.
• Served on the side of a chicken or pork schnitzel – The tanginess of Hugh’s Classic cuts through the richness of the schnitzel, balancing the flavours beautifully.
• Sprinkled on top of a hearty stew or soup – Add a spoonful to soups or stews for a vibrant burst of flavour.
• As a side to roast ham, pork, or chicken – This ferment adds a zesty complement to your roast meats.
• With a cheese toasty or croque monsieur – The perfect accompaniment to any cheesy toast, adding a delightful crunch and tang.
• Sprinkle over a Caesar salad – For a probiotic-rich twist on the classic salad.
• On the side of a baked Camembert or cheese fondue – This crunchy ferment adds the perfect contrast to creamy cheeses.

Golden Glow: Adding a Kick to Your Meals

The Golden Glow ferment is a flavour explosion in a jar, packed with the goodness of turmeric, cumin, and coriander seeds. Its vibrant colour and aromatic heat bring a warming touch to any dish.

Here are some ways to use this flavour-packed ferment:

• On top of a soup, curry, or dahl – Add a spoonful to soups and curries for an extra punch of flavour and a beautiful golden hue.
• Sprinkled over hummus-topped toast – Golden Glow pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of hummus.
• In a falafel wrap – This fragrant ferment adds a delicious zing to your falafel.
• As a topping for a poached or fried egg brunch dish – The warming spices of Golden Glow elevate any egg dish.
• Served with battered fish, fishcakes, or fish fingers – A unique twist on traditional curry sauce, bringing a burst of flavour to your fish dishes.

Up Beet: The Colourful, Earthy Delight

Up Beet is a ruby-red sauerkraut made with a blend of red and white cabbage, beetroot, and a kick of black pepper. This vibrant ferment brings colour and sweetness to any plate.

Its earthy flavours are perfect for a variety of dishes:

• On top of freshly toasted bread, smeared with ricotta and drizzled with olive oil – A simple yet delicious snack or light meal.
• As a topping for avocado on toast, accompanied by smoked salmon – This earthy ferment pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and smoky salmon.
• Sprinkled over a goat’s cheese salad – The sweetness of the beetroot complements the tang of the goat’s cheese.
• Served on top of a creamy pea soup – A lovely contrast to the smoothness of the soup, adding crunch and flavour.
• With roast ham – The earthy sweetness of Up Beet pairs perfectly with the savoury richness of roast ham.
• In a blue cheese burger – A unique twist on the classic burger, enhancing the sharpness of the blue cheese.
• Inside a brie toastie – The perfect topping for a melty brie toastie, adding crunch and a burst of flavour.

Why Choose River Cottage Ferments

The River Cottage and Cultjar collaboration brings together two local companies, united by a passion for sustainability, high-quality ingredients, and gut-friendly food, guided by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s expertise.

They are made with the finest UK-grown produce and ethically sourced spices, these vegan and gluten-free ferments are packed with live cultures to support a healthy gut.

Incorporating them into your meals is easy. Add Hugh’s Classic to a hot dog, spice up your curry with Golden Glow, or elevate your avocado toast with Up Beet. These probiotic-rich ferments add bold flavours and essential nutrients to everyday meals.

Proudly made by local producers, these ferments celebrate the best of British ingredients. Want to learn more? Join one of our fermentation or gut health courses.