LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2017

TREND SPOTT ING

KOMBUCHA? YOU BETCHA!

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More than just a healthy buzzword, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your body. They promote gastrointestinal health, keep the harmful bacteria in check, and counteract some negative side effects of antibiotics. Occurring naturally in fermented food and drink such as yogurt (especially goat’s milk), sauerkraut, miso and kombucha, probiotics can also be taken in supplement form. They’re increasingly being used as a selling-point additive in everything from juices (Tropicana Essentials Probiotics) to smoothie mixes (Organic Traditions). How- ever you take them, think of probiot- ics as a smart gut check.

While kombucha may be one of the trendiest bever- ages around, it dates back to around 220 BC in what is now Manchuria, China. Tart, barely sweet and lightly e ervescent, kombucha is made by double fermenting black or green tea. Many of its purported health benefits have not been backed by science, but as in all fermented foods, kombucha’s good

bacteria are great for digestion. This functional beverage also contains ap- proximately one-third of the calories of regular soda pop. First bottled in 1995, GT’s is the widely available pioneer in the modern kombucha movement—its Gingerade is ter-

rific—and Rise from Quebec is excellent, especially the Hibiscus & Rose Hips flavour.

Try these topping combinations with your next batch: ➤ Jerk seasoning and coconut oil Lately it seems like bagged popcorn has hit the gym to shed its greasy image for a leaner profile. Brands like Skinny Pop Popcorn and Smartfood Delight are leading the pack, and for something different, try Living Intentions Activated Superfood Popcorn Tandoori Turmeric, a spicy blend that adds some major snap and crackle to its pop. Of course it’s easy to make healthy and delicious popcorn at home. top of the pops

➤ Lemon zest, fresh thyme and black pepper ➤ Seaweed powder, sesame seeds and sesame oil

➤ Nutritional yeast and smoked paprika ➤ Parmesan, chives and truffle oil

FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY