JANUARY 2018 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 59
by our side through thick and thin for years—it’s the only
reason we are where we are.”
For the first few years The Living Apothecary only existed
here in the Bay Area. You can find their products in a variety
of health food stores all around the Bay, including Whole
Foods. The closest location to us would probably be the
El Cerrito Natural Grocery, as their facility in Richmond
is only used for production. They opted against going the
brick-and-mortar route from the beginning, but you can still
find them at the Urban Village Temescal Farmers’ Market on
Sundays in Oakland.
After years of dedicated work, The Living Apothecary has
finally expanding into Southern California as of March this
year. They’re also pushing into Arizona, Las Vegas, Oregon
and Washington, with potential to move into New York
City’s five borough marketplace, as well as Colorado, Texas,
you know … the world! And it’s all based right here in West
County.
For those unfamiliar with kefir water, it’s one of the world’s
oldest naturally fermented beverages. The Living Apothecary
blends it with loose leaf artisan teas resulting in a drink
that is naturally dairy and gluten free, low in sugar and
calories, non- or gently carbonated, delicious, and great for
your immune system. Plus, it is a living liquid! Containing
probiotic strains that are constantly evolving and “keeping
your gut guessing” as each batch they make may have a
different beneficial probiotic strain taking a more dominant
role than the others. “In general, with kefir water, there’s
usually around 45 beneficial bacteria strains in the bottle,”
Curry explained. “It changes all the time, and that’s what’s
amazing about it.”
Probiotics have certainly been on the rise with the cultural
takeover of kombucha these past few years, but kombucha
has a very distinct taste that can be difficult for some to get
used to. The Living Apothecary’s kefir water tea has very
similar health benefits, yet it’s much more mellow to drink
and they’re mostly caffeine free. With flavors like Hibiscus
Apricot, Passionflower Lemongrass, and Red Raspberry Leaf
Ginger, you’re sure to find something you like.
To learn more, read their blog, and find local retailers to
purchase a bottle, head to www.livingapothecary.com.
And take Curry’s advice: “A healthy gut, is a happy body.”
Bottom’s up.