Fermented Citrus Peels for Health

[@dee6615]

It is written , God is wonderful and in the last days men would say , God is wonderful . So be it..........thank you rain lady , I sure enjoy your chanel..........

[@vonniemerriam974]

After seeing Stacy (from Doug & Stacy) make quercetin tea from onion skins, I started making a quart every time I peeled an onion while cooking. Have to admit I was really skeptical about it tasting oniony at first, but have learned that as long as you only use the absolutely dried papery skins, it tastes no different than any other tea. And in fact, I kept the jar chilled in the fridge for a boost of quercetin iced tea instead of water. I'm really happy to learn this technique of fermenting the citrus peels, though! I ferment my own soda & vinegar, as well as just about every vegetable I find, but never thought about the added benefits of quercetin from the peels! And what a refreshing summer drink with the added health benefits! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[@Medietos]

Quit ingesting cold/cooled things if you care about healthy longevity.

[@CG-mj8tk]

@@Medietoscan u pls expound on this??

[@jonebner7811]

How do you make your quercetin? Thank you.

[@nancymoore4992]

I hope you get to read this Heidi 🤗 This has been a life saver 💕 I have had some severe stomach and intestine problems for over three months. I have gotten very little sleep from having to jump up and run to the bathroom 😲😟. I have eaten probably gallons of Greek yogurt with tons of sauerkraut which helps a lot. But, when I started drinking a couple ounces of the citrus drink and a spoonful of Greek yogurt it corrected my problem immediately. I can go shopping now and get back into life.i I put some frozen blueberries this last time. I like you, are going to keep at least two half gallons going all the time. And yes it gives me more energy. Thank you so much for sharing 🤗🤗🤗💕

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@jackieburnett6881]

This is a great video!

[@alexisroberts1871]

Something is working cause you look bloody good! Keep it up and thank you.

[@elizabethcope1502]

I always consumed the peels when I ate oranges as a child. The peels just tasted good to me. I will have to try this. Thank you Heidi. God bless.

[@cindyjohnson5242]

My grandmother did also! We always thought it strange. She immigrated from Russia in 1913. We always thought it was because they were so poor!

[@sarramiller976]

I have dozens of jars of dehydrated citrus peels just waiting for this idea! Thank you👏

[@tpaw6908]

I've been have a hard time with the great fresh fruits. Got diagnosed 17 ulcers ,I stopped most medicines, and watch what I'm eating. But I dont have energy really been immune . I'm back down in the bed. Love your TALENTS. I'm hoping I jump up and get my extracts and other canning done. God bless have a great weekend

[@sabinabaldwin4118]

Great info! I have my fermentation starter on the counter, ready to go. I've been making marmalades and candied peels to help consume peels but this sounds even better!!! Thanks, Heidi! 😊❤️

[@Mrs.Patriot]

I can't wait to try this! I do sourdough and have brewed beer in the past so I know about the fermentation process. You are amazing with all the things you're into and quite inspiring. Thanks! God bless!!

[@TheRedhawke]

After hearing you talk about the concoction we made one of Grapefruit and Lemons in our instapot adding Turmeric, Ginger, Cloves, and raw honey. My joints don’t hurt near as much when I drink it on a daily basis and it actually seems to calm my tendinitis. I’m anxious to try this fermented version.

[@shara4389]

@TheRedhawke - can you give us a recipe for the unfermented version, and let us know how the fermenting of it went? Thanks!

[@TheRedhawke]

@@shara4389 we put the peelings of 3 or 4 Grapefruit, peelings of 4 lemons, 2 tbs of turmeric, about an 1 1/2” of fresh ginger, 4 or 5 whole cloves. Put it in instapot and non-chlorinated water to full mark and set pot for soup 10 minutes. We let the pot do it’s thing then strain out the roughage, be careful it’s very hot. Put it in a glass canning jar to cool then place in fridge. I put about 2 ounces in a glass of warm water with a bit of honey dissolved into it to smooth out the bitterness. After a while I no longer needed the honey.

[@amyharris7337]

@@TheRedhawke that sounds wonderful. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks!

[@shara4389]

@@TheRedhawke thanks for the "recipe" - this should be fantastic as a fermented drink!! Even without that extra bump in nutrition, sounds really yummy.

[@TheRedhawke]

@@shara4389 don’t know how it would be fermented, we’ve only drank it as stated. But I gotta warn you the bitterness is off the chart at first. Once I drank it every day for about a week I began to actually enjoy the flavor but it definitely took a bit of getting acclimated to it lol.

[@mothershelper1981]

Orange julius! (What the frothy mixture reminded me of, lol.)

[@bonnieganschow9137]

Thank you Heidi, God's peace and health to you. 🙏🙌❤️

[@TheSunRiseKid]

Another algorithm comment. Playing your videos in the background that I have missed during my busy moving/unpacking/trying to find places for everything section😭 have a good day and God bless! I’ll be playing more of your videos in the background🥰😊🌱

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you so much for doing that!

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@RainCountryHomestead your videos are the only ones I can handle playing in the background! That and Mary’s at Mary’s nest but I favor yours…shhhhh😂

[@lynettetucker544]

Hi Heidi thanks again for sharing this fermented citrus peelings for more use rather than discarding them last year I had a bunch of lemons peelings I decided to cut them up with ginger and honey and let it set for 30 days and just use it i my tea It turned out really good I enjoyed it in🍵.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sounds good!

[@mothershelper1981]

Did you add any water or just put the peelings and ginger in Honey and let them ferment like you would garlic in honey?

[@lynettetucker544]

@@mothershelper1981 Just add the ginger lemon peel in honey no water and let it ferment for 30 days or longer

[@mothershelper1981]

@@lynettetucker544 thanks!

[@CG-mj8tk]

@@lynettetucker544Ty this is great! Did u dehydrate the peels and ginger first?

[@milliejoneel9437]

What a treasure you are, Girl. Another great video! Thanks again.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

I dry the citrus peels to have them put back and just eat those but I will have to go back and take notes on this process. Thanks

[@janetcalvert3959]

You intro statement makes me feel hopeful and blessed. Thanks for everything you and your husband do!!

[@beverlylevenhagen454]

Love this. I love the idea of a no waste kitchen and this seems like a game changer as far as vit C etc. Thanks

[@ivahihopeful]

This is so good! I can’t wait until I can put in an Azure order for these. I suspect this may even enhance the vitamin C content since that happens in other ferments. My immune system needs this!

[@TeresaV]

I have some organic lemons. I'm using the peels and pith to make cleaning vinegar. I'm using the fruit flesh to make the drink. My kitchen counter looks like a science experiment. 😆

[@aidezarate8989]

I'm new to you and love your channel!! You are awesome in what you do and amazing at explaining!! I want to be you when i grow up! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@shirleycovey7309]

I found some dried organic blueberries at Sprouts yesterday and plan on making vinegar with them. Because I don't know how sweet they are, I plan on adding some raw honey to the water using my Vitamix to combine the honey with the filtered water. Hopefully I'll enjoy the flavored vinegar in a month!

[@patmartinez5946]

I've got mine going, just orange and lemon, didn't have any grapefruit... I'm really excited, it's bubbling up a storm! I also started an apple and a pineapple vinegar. I need them for a better salad dressing ☺️ I really enjoy your channel, Good bless!!

[@gaianeg7927]

I love your videos. You are always making interesting videos and I like when you are explaining detail by detail. Thank you.

[@lunayahwitch]

Amazing info, thank you! Now I have another way to use my mandarin peels today after I can the fruit❤️🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@francinewade4620]

Amen thank God to refresh my memory I use to see my parents do these things while one of the family would dried the fruits out some would just wash the fruits and soak but I was young indeed want really studying much but now the other days when I see your videos it reminds me thank God thank you God bless

[@valeriewilliams2937]

I’ve tried a lot of your ferment starts and I’m ready for this one I can use the extra vitamin C I must admit, can’t wait to try it. Thanks

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

You blow my mind with all your knowledge!

[@939wepa4]

Gonna try this.

[@rebeccaryan6229]

You’re amazing! Thanks for all the great info!

[@susiet2150]

I’ve got my organic lemon peel ferment going on the counter...can’t wait to try it!

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

This sounds fantastic, can't wait to try it! Thank you, Heidi!

[@WendyK656]

Heidi, I can't get the organic Oranges, lemon or Grapefruit anymore. Thank you, Heidi, for more good information on citrus peel.

[@Micah7-8]

Alright! Great I certainly want to try this as I can locate the organic fruit. Always love to feel and and love anything fermented.

[@CarmenPaz]

Thank you for the great information!, I have tried and I love it .... Now in Spain, it is getting warm, so I make a lemonade and add some fermented peels and it taste great.

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@nancymoore4992]

I also wanted to tell you I eat the white stuff on the inside of the peel. Sounds funny I know,but I just pull the peel across my bottom teeth. It's soft and full of the citrus drink 😊. Just thought I would tell you. This drink is fabulous.

[@richardschmidt2430]

I already make the citrus vinegar...will make this...awesome. Thank you, Heidi! for sharing. :) Blessings from Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@ceciliafuentes3299]

Sounds like the perfect drink.

[@KeyAnah]

I just wanna mention Saltfermentet lemon, thý get a really nice mellow savory flavor, no bitterness in the peel at all. Use them i salat, cut into small pieces, they last for ewer, unopened in the closet, open in the fridge. Can also be dried and grinded into salt fermented lemon spice.

[@marinarosejarocki9530]

Can you share what % of salt you use I'm citrus ferments?

[@KeyAnah]

@@marinarosejarocki9530 I do not have any measured amount of salt I use, but I would guess that I use at least 2 tablespoons of salt per lemon, I just cut a cross in the lemons, almost all the way through, fill them well with salt and press them hard into a jar so there is no air between them, when the jar is full it must be covered with juice from the lemons and then there must be a plastic lid over so that no air comes to them and so they stay below the lemon juice and finally I put the lid on the container (glass or plastic). They must ferment for at least half a year before they are ready to be used, mine preferably stand for one or two years.

[@jojow8416]

Can I omit the grapefruit? I love your idea of placing a crocheted disk under your jars. Hmm, so clever and not only reduces wear and tear, but also reduces the sound of jars scraping across the counter.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, whatever citrus peels you want. I think I made the first batch out of only orange peels

[@bdoyle9881]

@@RainCountryHomestead did you notice any difference from just orange peels and the one with grapefruit and lemon ? Does lemons effect ppl cholesterol meds. Like grapefruit does ? Guess I should look it up.. lol.. Thanks.. Heidi!! .

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@bdoyle9881 No difference other than I like the flavor of the orange peel alone better because it is less bitter but both the blend and the orange alone make me feel great

[@almab8291]

Hi, I’m blessed to have an orange tree. Can I do this drink with fresh orange slices? I can imagine it would taste great!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, you sure can

[@MaGlaniis]

Me encantan tus videos 🥰

[@DoNotBelieveAnyone]

Hi Heidi. Love your channel and your videos. Tnx so much for making them.

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Thank you Heidi. 🙂 Blessings! 💜

[@wolfmangosan539]

Thank you for sharing this information. God Bless you !! your camera angle is good 😊

[@shirleycovey7309]

I started a raisin ferment a week ago and so far, no bubbles. ??? I used filtered water, no sweetener of any kind with a coffee filter lid. I see no mold or action. Yesterday, I started an organic orange peel, raw honey and filtered water concoction and hope to enjoy it at the two week mark. Thanks for the ideas and tips!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It should have started by now but you may not have enough sugar in it depending on the amount of raisins you used. Even though my original video I spoke of not adding sugar when making a raisin vinegar, I now recommend adding at least a 1/4 cup in a half gallon. Also, if your raisins were not organic, they may have had the natural yeast needed to get it going killed off so it could possibly need a starter to get it going

[@shirleycovey7309]

@@RainCountryHomestead I will add some sugar per your recommendation. They are organic raisins!

[@off-gridsimplyhappyrodriguez]

Thank you. I keep forgetting to buy grapefruit. I'm definitely making some.

[@TeresaV]

I just poured off my 1st batch I started 10 days ago. Yummy! How much should a beginner drink per day? Two ounces? It's hard not to make a big ole glassful. But I'm sure my stomach would hate me. My doc says I have IBS-D to go along with my Diverticular Disease. Yay me. I'm not supposed to eat fermented foods. But, I think a little of this yummyness is beneficial.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I would say I drink 2-4 ounces per day

[@nancymoore4992]

I started half gallon,4 days ago and I always burp which I did earlier today, but tonight I couldn't get the lid off😲 yikes. I finally got lose and it exploded, but thank goodness didn't make a mess. I tried it wasn't really expecting the taste, but I did remember you said was a little bitter which it was. Not bad though will be worth the benefits 🤗. Like I asked earlier do I strain and keep in fridge? Probably a no brainer but getting used to different ferments. I make a lot of sauerkraut and fermented little baby sweet peppers which have a lemon taste, and is great on potatoes and even rice. Love them on eggs to 😊

[@gwenbryanarnott7077]

Thanks for sharing

[@omokaroojiire]

This is very helpful!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@mothershelper1981]

I finally got around to starting some yesterday. I've already forgotten how long we're supposed to let It sot. 2 weeks? I'll go watch the end again.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I usually go one week now

[@mothershelper1981]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thanks!

[@Debleo]

My daughter used orange peels in a chicken dish and had an allergic reaction throat startered swelling luckly she had benadryl and was able to get it down hapoen over this past weekend.

[@COWELLGIRL]

Love this !

[@justaddlivingwater]

Incredible I love this I've made or age peel & Acv, vinegar.. But I didn't know you can use it in this way..

[@tammyisenblatter9138]

Thank you Heidi! This looks so good and so amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this!!! God bless 🙏🏻

[@catt8247]

Thanks for the video, I'm gonna try this sounds good, I made the other just on the stove , didn't care for the bitterness.

[@lubasulpovar5081]

Thanks pretty Rain Country for your interesting videos. Have you ever heard about Kombucha tea? I make that drink with pineapple and orange peels, just separated. I use as a fermented drink.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, I used to make it many years ago but really not my thing so I quit, decided to try again several years ago and still decided it was not for me.

[@lreltoews3563]

Hello -- just discovered your channel -- wonderful! Thank you! I'm excited to dig in. I'm not new to fermenting, but I haven't ever fermented things like ginger bugs and I do not have liquid starter for the citrus peel recipe you cover in this video. How do I ferment from scratch?? Just add the water, honey, citrus peel, and let it ferment longer? Thank you!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If you open the description box just under the video screen you will find the link to the fermentation starter video, be sure to click on the word "more" or "show more"

[@his-sweetie]

Thank you. Looks like a great beverage. 😊

[@tamibarnette1557]

I like the angle of the camera

[@bonniesammons2348]

Hi Heidi! I made this and loved it. Do you think I could reuse the grapefruit peels to make another batch? Thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You could but keep in mind you would have less flavor and nutrients than the first batch

[@bonniesammons2348]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you Heidi. That’s what I was thinking. I don’t tend to have a large supply of grapefruit peels so I was thinking maybe reuse half and add half new ones (I do that with my bone broth sometimes). Thank you again!

[@AsintheDaysofNoah]

Do I use a potato peeler on the rind of the citrus or do I leave the white part? You are amazing!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I use the whole peel, a lot of the benefits are in that pith

[@rudyb1178]

Always such great info, thanks so much

[@lindachandler2293]

Listening

[@carolmaplesden916]

thank you i love this stuff

[@kyoungdale]

It works too if you just put it in water right. I don’t add anything and I drink it all day.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes but the longer you let it set, the more nutrients you will get. I like fermenting because it adds more health benefits and I like the fizz.

[@kyoungdale]

@@RainCountryHomestead I agree. I’m trying to learn how. I need jars but they are hard to get. And cost is a bit much. We have a very small income.

[@kyoungdale]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you foe always being on top of the texts. You sure are a gem.

[@kleineroteHex]

@@kyoungdale check local thrift stores, free cycle, even fake book marketplace😉 To make ferments you do not need canning jars. I have "rescued" large pickle jars from recycling bins already.

[@basured9795]

@@kyoungdale I save metal lid, glass jars. Helps a lot. Best wishes 😀

[@girlywhirly4971]

Always so informative! Thank you very much for another fabulous video! I have made sparkling drink with fermented black berries. I am definitely going to try the citrus fermented drink. I always save the organic orange peals and dehydrate them. This is a great way to use them! Is that true that onion skins make quercetin tea? It doesn't sound very good lol

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Red onions in particular and not just the skins. :)

[@jackieburnett6881]

Great video!

[@carmenross1077]

I’m not quite sure did you do lemons too like this thanks

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can, but I do not recommend lime or grapefruit because they can be pretty bitter

[@amymello7481]

This is great!

[@MrVjay70]

Yummy and healthy

[@janebrennan8217]

Thank you, I am starting a half gallon today. If I were to use sugar, instead of honey, how much would you recommend? Thanks for all you do and share. You are a blessing to us all!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Same amount as I used of the honey, which is usually 1/2 cup per 1/2 gallon

[@inbedduringcovid3005]

I think you just made honey milk. That probably would be so good on cereal. Like if you had to stretch a little milk powder that would be good.

[@claytonholton2749]

Great job! But i did not understand where you get your starter? Wonderful commentator!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I made the starter, please go to the link where I show how to make it that I provided in the description box below the video. It is very easy and you can make it from any produce you have on hand

[@holographicbreathing]

Thank you for your previous answer. Is it possible to use whole oranges and lemons and slice them and then using the same procedure as sauerkraut?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not sure what you are trying to create so let me put it this way: you can ferment pretty much anything and be as creative as you want. Just like how I have used many things to create fermented sodas or vinegars or even wines or meads

[@christie2284]

This was a great video and I just found it recently! I’ve always thrown all of the orange in my smoothies, but this video inspired me to start fermenting the peels instead. I have no starter (although I do always have a half gallon of water kefir going - might try that as starter sometime), so just threw the orange peels in with the water and honey and watched. It went two days without any signs, but I was relieved to see bubbles starting to form on day three. I tasted it at one week, but it was far too sweet for me so I stretched it out to 10 days. It’s retained a little sweetness, but there’s also a nice bite to it. I think it’s delicious, and I can’t wait to start another batch. Thanks for the video and the recipe Heidi! I just have one question: if I freeze the peels instead of dehydrating, will I kill off the little critters I need to ferment it?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have found that freezing does make it so it does not ferment as well as when I use dried or fresh goods

[@christie2284]

@@RainCountryHomestead thanks so much for your speedy reply! I just put some peels in the fridge, but think now I’ll need to process them fresh. I don’t have a suitable means to dehydrate them. This is very helpful!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@christie2284 I dry most of my peels close to our woodstove. They dry quickly just on a cloth close to any heat source, no need for a special dehydrator

[@christie2284]

Ok I will try this - I was concerned about mold, but maybe during winter that won’t be a problem. Thanks!!!

[@loucilehall7560]

I made some with vinegar and it molded

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As long as the material is floating to the top and above the liquid, it needs to be stirred daily to prevent mold

[@doubles1545]

I learned this lesson the hard way, too. I had some tiny pears off our tree last summer so I tried making vinegar out of them. Didn’t stir or shake and after a week I was smelling mold. Oops!

[@lou9925]

Great Info ..... Thank you so much. Please reconsider doing a video on kombucha. You could make a great kombucha video

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I made it for awhile 20 years ago then got back into it for a short time about 10 years ago but decided it is just not my thing. I do not care for any true tea (black, oolong, white, or green), thus, I am not crazy about kombucha so you will not be seeing any videos on that

[@lou9925]

No prob, I am about to send this video to my brother. I cant say enough about the timeliness and quality of the information in your videos I believe the fermentations, make these foods more bioavailable, much more so then simply cooking. Also many of the foods you ferments are generally thrown out or composted. So great to know about this. You are saving lives ..... I am sure. Keep up the great work. And God Bless.

[@kellycarver2500]

I have been using all my peels for candied peels. They are so good, and personally I think better than most orange/citrus flavored store bought candies. But this sounds good and I think I'll try it. I don't have any starter right now, so I guess it will just have to start itself. Maybe I'll add a bit of yeast. Lol.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

A fermentation starter is super easy to make and only takes three days to get active

[@patriciabrandon4276]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thanks for this info, I can’t wait to try it! I don’t have any fermentation starter (and the jar I started with raisins last week isn’t doing much); can you ferment the citrus peel drink without using a starter? Thanks again!

[@mothershelper1981]

I was wondering if you could use some of the liquid from the previous batch as your starter for the next batch?

[@westrose586]

Excellent info as always. Can't wait to try the fermented peels. I very recently bought some ORGANIC cuties to eat and dehydrate the peels. Yum. Well now am horrified as I read all the contents. Yes, they are organic, but they are coated with 'vegetable-and/or lac-resin based wax'! Veg oil, so I assume that they are not using a quality oil (cost) and the wax cannot be washed off. : ( The company is Sun Pacific out of calif. Do you have this problem and if not, what brand are you buying? The cuties are seedless mandarins so that may have given away the fact the they may not really be organic....Thanks for any info on this.

[@michelepattico3953]

Great video! Do you have a video on how to make a fermentation starter? Thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, as noted in the video above, you will find the video to the ferment starter in the description box

[@samlight1978]

Quinine is found in grapefruit peels 😉

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Actually, it is quercetin, not quinine, found in the peels but they are both zinc ionophores which is why I think there is that confusion. I did some pretty in depth study on this and also did a couple of videos on it as well: Quinine. Grapefruit, and Cinchona: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHbLYnl8ormLhZI Quercetin Benefits: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KsoKuNbaymi8U

[@everwashington5932]

Hi there, thank you so very much for the new recipe idea! I gotta try this soon. I had a question, I was wondering do you think that this has helped with your nasal drip problem? As always thank you for sharing your educational & fun videos with everyone.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I think it has helped as it is mostly cleared up now but I think what has helped most is running the air cleaners

[@everwashington5932]

Oh ok, that's wonderful! I am glad that you're starting to feel better now. Also, thank you for responding. Please keep up your extraordinary work.

[@tjm.7940]

Did you make your started (in this video) with just peeling and sugar, the same way you did with raisons or berries? I just bought some organic oranges and thought about using their peels. I have never fermented, canned, dehydrated anything! This is all new to me!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, just as shown in the video I linked in the description box

[@tjm.7940]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you! Day 4 was yesterday, and it is fizzy! I am so excited! Picking up my raw honey today! Can't wait to try this!

[@mothershelper1981]

@@tjm.7940 it's an exciting adventure learning all this new stuff about fermentation and nutrition, isn't it? I've been into nutritious eating and label reading since the 1970s but I still feel like a newcomer because there's so much to learn all the time. Thank goodness for KZbin channels like Rain Country and Mary's nest to continually be learning from.

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

Thanks Heidi! I'm going to try this with just the lemon and orange due to Mike's heart meds. I have a bowl of little cuties on the counter now. Many Blessings!!

[@jeansroses7249]

this is a great way for me to use my many organic lemons from my tree! But I didn't get clear from this video: do you have to dehydrate the peels before fermenting them, or can you use fresh peels? I don't have any "starter"; how can I make one, or do I have to use a starter? if not, how is it made without a starter?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

No, you do not HAVE to dehydrate, you can use fresh. As noted in the video, the starter is easy to make and I have a how to video in the description box. Please make sure you check that out

[@Lia.K777]

Hi Heidi,if I don't have ferment starter, how can I make it without? Please add thank you ☺️

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As long as your peels or fresh and organic it should work but you can also make a fermentation starter very easily. All you need is some kind of fresh or dried, fruit or herb, water and sugar. If you check out the video I linked to on that, you will see how easy it is and you can have it on hand for making many other goodies. You can even make a starter with citrus peels.

[@Lia.K777]

@@RainCountryHomestead many thanks for quick response, Heidi 💐❤️have a blessed day!

[@urbanpioneer5326]

Thank you for your videos. Can yogurt whey be used as a starter?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, it should work, as long as the yogurt has active live cultures in it

[@ronp5615]

How about using a sugar alcohol instead of honey like stevia or monkfruit ex?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Since one is just making a "soda" yes, but that would not work if you are trying to make a vinegar. But, it may not turn out as fizzy

[@inbedduringcovid3005]

You are so smart. This is like one of my classrooms. Even though one day I hope that you open a real classroom talk one day if the opportunity comes up. A workshop to make vinegar, tinctures, wines, medical saline and other liquids and garden seed readiness which is probably a big one for a lot of newbies like I will be is pulling the seed pods at just the right times because some will shoot out and spread a mile each way if we aren't careful lol. That would be fun to learn first-hand

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do have instructional videos on all these. While I have done a couple of live in person classes on herbs, it is doubtful I will ever have time for something like that again, especially anything that would involve me having to travel

[@cindyyoung50]

I have fermented both orange and a grapefruit ( a week apart ) and the orange is now drinkable with no sugary taste, just a nice orange bitterness. Do I need to refrigerate it at this point since it is fermented to my liking?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes because the longer it is kept at room temperature, the more it will ferment and will become more like wine

[@sharonafshari4485]

Is there a way to remove the fluoride in city water?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Only with expensive fluoride filters or reverse osmosis

[@sharonafshari4485]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you for that information 💕

[@kellyrobson434]

I love your glass jugs. Where do you get them?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Mine are all recycled wine jugs gathered from garage sales and friends but you can buy them new as well

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

This is great, Heidi! I do have to watch my blood sugar levels so I think I might turn this into a vinegar and then just add it to some water to drink like I do ACV. Do you have any good books to recommend on doing ferments like these?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sorry, no books but I have plenty of videos on fermenting. I have never followed a book, I have always just done what comes to mind. Once you know the basics, which is pretty simple, there is not much special you need to do but be creative

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

@@RainCountryHomestead That's helpful to know. I do not fully understand how they work, I have a general idea and that's all. I will search your channel for the fermenting videos. Appreciate you and all your help! God bless, sister.

[@caseG80]

The sugar is food for the fermentation process it’s really surprising how you won’t taste sugar at all and can be a good way to determine if it’s ready or needs more time. If your just getting into this there’s lots of videos and books out there google and KZbin will guide you. We all know are bodies the best I’m only suggesting to not look at as all that sugar will still be there. Cheers fermentation is the key to life and is how everything was done before we had a fridge.

[@holographicbreathing]

Is there a way of doing this where you use the whole fruit fresh. Just slicing it up both peel and pulp?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, the steps would be the same. OR you can even just make as smoothie and ferment it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5eZXoykn9tkrNU

[@holographicbreathing]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you

[@susiet2150]

I’m hooked now, Heidi. My ferment is soooo bubbly. I have to burp it 2-3 times a day. And it’s very tasty. Do you discard the spent peels?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I just compost them :)

[@susiet2150]

@@RainCountryHomestead thanks, again. This is going to stay in my regular routine, along with kombucha & kefir.

[@cmccarver56]

After your done fermenting it did you drain it before refrigerating the citrus drink? I have to decant as I don’t have a regular size refrigerator. Thank you and happy resurrection day🙏

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did not but you can if you want