In this local episode I had the great pleasure of talking with Kellie Hughes Jordan about her journey, what she's passionate about AND about water kefir, which I had no idea was a thing. But it is and it’s delicious and truly nutritious at the same time and let’s face it, there aren’t too many products that can claim that.

We’re so happy to have Owl Spoon Water Kefir Company to be in the Good Foods Grocery family and to be one of our great vendors. If you’re in the Richmond area, you can find Kellie’s products at GFG and whenever you visit her at her home away from home, the farmer’s market.

With a passion for nourishing and transformative foods, Kellie Hughes Jordan embarked on a culinary journey that reshaped not only their diet but also their professional trajectory. A pivotal moment occurred when they delved into "Real Food" by Nina Planck, sparking a profound shift in their approach to nutrition. In 2005, Kellie joined the Weston A Price Foundation, swiftly becoming a Chapter Leader.

At the heart of their advocacy was teaching the art of crafting sauerkraut and broth, skills they later shared at farmers' markets in and around Fredericksburg. This marked the beginning of a culinary odyssey that would blend tradition with innovation. An apprenticeship with a Master Herbalist in Sperryville, Virginia in 2010 culminated in Kellie earning an herbalist certificate.

For their final project, they pioneered fermented herbal tonics using water kefir. Ever since, Kellie has been on a mission to transform what is often considered farm waste—ugly produce and animal carcasses—into nutrient-rich foods.

Classes on Gut Health as Self Care soon followed, emphasizing the profound link between digestion and overall well-being. Kellie entered the commercial brewing scene, collaborating with 1781 Brewing in Spotsylvania, Va, to introduce HOODOOBOOCH. Engaging with the fermentation community, they joined the Pickle Club in Richmond and contributed regularly to the Fermentation Fest at COTU Brewing.

Kellie further solidified their expertise by consulting with kombucha brands in Northern Virginia, offering insights into scoby maintenance and teaching classes on kombucha and sauerkraut fermentation processes. In their dedication to preserving traditional practices, Kellie authored a how-to recipe workbook on fermenting through the seasons.

Upon relocating to Richmond, they immersed themselves in the local fermentation scene, working with Wild Earth Fermentation and eventually co-owning Owl Spoon Water Kefir Co alongside Jay McGee.

Today, Kellie continues to share their wealth of knowledge through classes on gut health, the integration of ferments into the diet, and the profound connection between our bodies and the foods we consume. As a co-owner of Owl Spoon Water Kefir Co, Kellie is at the forefront of promoting digestive well-being and fostering a deeper connection with our bodies through the art of fermentation.

Owl & Spoon IG ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/owlspoonkefir/

Kellie's IG ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/brothandbrine/?hl=en

The Good Foods podcast is hosted by Shardan Sandoval and it’s possible that you've heard my voice on a commercial here and there, particularly since I'm currently one of the many talented National Creative Production Designers for iHeartMedia and to date, I voiced and produced commercials that have aired from Hartford to Hawaii.

My IG ➡️ https://rb.gy/n60br

My LinkedIn ➡️ https://rb.gy/9d31vk

Comments, questions, partner, and topic suggestions can be sent to us below and we look forward to hearing from you!

Good Foods Grocery ➡️ http://www.goodfoodsgrocery.com/

Email ➡️ podcast@goodfoodsgrocery.com

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