What is Lacto-fermentation you say? It is the process of bacteria breaking down sugar from food and multiplies to create probiotics. Lacto-fermentation is a process used to pickles, kimchi, yogurt, ect.
This lemonade is made from the liquid part of the yogurt called whey. You know when you open a yogurt container and there is some clear liquid that has separated from the yogurt? That is called whey. It is actually loaded with protein, calcium, and probiotics. It has traditionally been made into healing and medicinal drinks all over the world. I had no idea what that was for years and would either mix it back in or strain it out down the sink. Greek yogurt has actually been strained of the whey, which is why it is so much thicker and creamier.
So we take the whey, add lemon juice, and coconut sugar for a probiotic and protein rich drink that you can feel good about giving your children. It is without all the junk and processed sugar. The fresh lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C, folate, and potassium making this an actually healthy drink. CHEERS TO GUT HEALTH!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of whey from full fat yogurt
1 cup of Lemon juice from 6-8 large lemons
1 cup Coconut Sugar or honey
6 cups of Filtered , Non - chlorinated water
Cheesecloth
*Makes half gallon
Directions:
Lets start with whey. This is the only tricky part. So I'm going to give you a few options.
The quickest way is to put the cheesecloth inside of a colander and stack the colander inside a larger bowl. Dump 2 cups of yogurt into the cheesecloth. Twist it and watch the whey pour out. When it starts to strain slowly, You can rubber band the cheesecloth and let it sit for 30 minutes and strain the rest out. You will end up with Greek yogurt in your cheesecloth, so don’t toss it!
The easiest way, although slower, is to buy a big container of full fat yogurt, and when you see the the liquid separate, start pouring it into a mason jar, put a lid on and refridgerate. Continue over a period of days until you have enough!
If you are in no rush, I used my metal coffee filter and set it on a jar. I let it sit and drain most of the day.
Once you have 1/2 cup, mix in lemon juice and honey. Pour into the container that you want, fill the rest of the container up with filtered water, cover with lid. Turn the bottle upside down and shake around twice that day.
Leave on the counter for 24 - 48 hours.
The sugar ferments out, and you're left with a delicious probiotic elixir that tastes delicious!
Serve over ice and enjoy!!
Made with love and time,
Michal