raw coconut yogurt with vanilla and strawberries

Fermentation may sound like a far out idea that would require fancy equipment and take up way too much of your valuable time. That’s what I thought. Until I took a class on fermentation and saw how incredibly easy it actually is:) Many of the probiotic strains that we eat in traditionally fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kimchee, kombucha, and yogurt, help to keep our digestive system strong. Healthy gut bacteria contribute to a well functioning endocrine system, overall immune function, healthy brain and weight loss.

Unfortunately, the processed foods that are promoted as high probiotic foods, don’t always live up to their good name. Many yogurts can be laced with sugar and use strains of probiotics that are not normally present in human bodies, and therefore eventually get eliminated. They can also displace the good bacteria that should be present in your gut. Recently, there has been an explosion of new dairy free yogurts on the market, which are a great alternative to those with dairy sensitivities. These plant based alternatives include soy, almond and coconut yogurts. As with any packaged foods, read the ingredient list before you consume these products. They may contain added sugars and additives such as carrageenan, which can be irritating to the digestive tract. I also wouldn’t recommend soy based products, as they can be GMO and a source of allergies.

 

Functions of healthy bacteria in the gut:

  • Synthesize vitamin K and important B vitamins
  • Communicate with and regulate the immune system
  • Play a role in reducing inflammation both in the gastrointestinal tract and in other areas of the body
  • Detoxify heavy metals from the body
  • Help digest food
  • Promote gut motility (move things along:))
  • Help heal and protect the lining of the gut
  • Help prevent and reduce allergies
  • Help prevent and reduce yeast infections
Yum yum!! Coconut yogurt is really easy to make and it’s a great alternative to dairy if you don’t tolerate it well. You can find young coconut in the shell at most big supermarkets or Asian markets. Some health food stores and Asian markets carry frozen young coconut meat as well, which makes things much easier!! If you want to have just plain yogurt, skip the fruit and add a sweetener like coconut syrup, raw honey or stevia if you wish.

Amazing health benefits of coconuts:

  • Coconuts are a great source of plant based protein
  • Great for relieving constipation and any build-up of gas in the intestinal tract
  • The meat of coconut is great for destroying intestinal parasites
  • Coconut oil can help promote diet-induced thermogenesis and weight loss
  • Supports healthy metabolism
  • Supports your immune system health
  • Provides an immediate energy source
  • Supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland
  • Anti-fungal and anti-viral properties
  • Electrolyte minerals in coconut water help to hydrate the body
raw coconut yogurt with vanilla and strawberries

Raw Coconut Vanilla Yogurt with Fruit on the Bottom

Meat from 2 young coconuts (or 2 cups)

raw coconut yogurt with vanilla and strawberries

2-4 Tbsp water (you may have to add a bit more to get things moving in the blender)
2 probiotic capsules (only use 1 if you have a high potency probiotic) or 1 tsp of powder

1/2 tsp vanilla powder (or 1 tsp liquid extract)

Fruit on the bottom:

1 cup strawberries (or any other fruit)
1 Tbsp coconut syrup or raw honey (optional)

How to make:

Coconut yogurt: Remove meat from coconut shell, add to a blender along with water. Blend until very smooth. (You may need to add a bit more water).
Put coconut mixture into a clean glass jar or bowl and add probiotic powder. Mix with a wooden utensil or plastic spoon. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 24 hours. If you have a dehydrator, you can put the yogurt bowl in the dehydrator and turn the heat to 105°F. The yogurt will be done in 8-10 hours using this method.
You can taste the yogurt first, if it has a slightly sour taste it’s ready to eat!
Once the yogurt is ready, stir in the vanilla powder.
To make the fruit, add strawberries and coconut syrup into a small blender and buzz until smooth.
To serve, first add fruit, then top with yogurt. Have fun and top it with your favourite granola or nuts and seeds for a super healthy breakfast or snack!
Refrigerate for up to 7 days without the fruit, or 2-3 day with the fruit.
Makes 2-3 servings
Enjoy:)

What’s your favourite fermented food?

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