Fermentools is serious about feeding families healthy food. Whether at home or away, you have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones have something they like, and is good for them, at every meal—especially when at school. Take a look at these ideas and see if your kids won’t just love them.
If your child goes to school or daycare, chances are you have to pack a lunchbox or two. Goodness, I homeschool my kids but have to pack a lunchbox for my husband every day; and I often come up empty-handed when it comes to snacks or treats for him.
Healthy, Fermented Lunchbox Treats
You can always succumb to buying packaged treats like candy, cookies, or granola bars laden with high fructose corn syrup. Or you can make your own. If you want some healthy ideas, why not stick in some fermented goodies. Following are some ideas for fermented lunchbox treats that your husband and your kids will love.
But, before you get started, remember that sometimes kids balk at eating fermented foods. You don’t want your healthy treats to end up in the waste can. So follow these tips for introducing fermented foods to the family before you risk sending them out the door.
Yogurt
You probably won’t get too much of a fuss about yogurt. Most kids love it. I like to make mine in the slow cooker. It’s so easy and fun that even your older kids can handle the job. You can sweeten it with whatever you like, avoiding the HFCS that is in a lot of store-bought brands. Yours won’t be laden with food coloring or other additives either.
Carrots
Don’t just put plain carrot sticks in your kids’ lunch. Ferment them first. You can flavor them with garlic, dill, or other herbs and they will love the variety.
Broccoli Stems
This might sound a little strange, but don’t throw your broccoli stems in the compost. Eat them! But ferment them first. Kids love fermented broccoli stems. Like carrot sticks, they can be flavored with garlic and herbs. They have a radish-y flavor little ones enjoy.
Green beans
Dilly beans, anyone? Don’t make the “pickled with vinegar” variety. Ferment your green beans the right way, with brine. My kids love dilly beans so much they can eat an entire jar while watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show.
Chips and Salsa
If you want to avoid genetically modified foods, Costco has a great organic tortilla chip. To a baggie of chips, add a small container of fermented salsa and your kids are sure to eat their lunches that day. Fermented salsa stays bright in color and firm in texture, unlike the canned variety. And the flavor can’t be beat.
Childhood allergies are rampant. Most schools do not allow nuts through the door. Many children are on gluten-free diets. These fermented lunchbox treats are sure to meet the requirements of most allergen-free zones. And your kids will love them.
What goes in your kids’ lunchboxes? Feel free to share with us in the comments.
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