Reflections on Our Limited Edition Quarterly Box: The Art of Fermentation

In creating our first Citizen Subscription box, we embarked on a journey of purpose-driven design. Each element was carefully selected with sustainability and functionality at its core, telling a story of balance and intention. This piece explores the thoughtful decisions behind each component and what we’ve learned along the way. 

Our first box celebrated the art of fermentation—a perfect metaphor for transformation and renewal. The goal was to create not just a product, but an experience that nurtures both body and spirit. 

The Elements: Purpose Behind Each Choice

The Brewing Vessel

Finding the perfect vessel was perhaps our greatest challenge. From the beginning, we were determined to use a repurposed container rather than a brand-new object. We wanted to strictly follow the theme of transformation and give a second life to something existing—mirroring the very essence of the fermentation process itself.

Initially, we explored Victorian stoneware chemist pots from the 1890s, which would have beautifully connected to our fermentation theme through their history in laboratories. We needed a material that could withstand boiling water for proper sterilization while still offering adequate capacity but couldn't compromise on consistency.

The solution emerged in partnering with a distributor who supplies used bottles from the viticulture industry—a delightful connection back to fermentation. The glass vessel you received previously held champagne, now reborn with a new purpose. We chose a one-litre capacity deliberately, allowing you to maintain a daily probiotic practice with ease. We hope you'll continue the cycle of fermentation or give this vessel new life, perhaps as a vase for fresh flowers, a holder for kitchen utensils, a water carafe, or for other culinary experiments.

The Wooden Spoon

This handmade wooden spoon was specifically curated to be the exclusive tool for your water kefir cultivation. We wanted to provide not just any utensil but one perfectly suited to the delicate process of fermentation. The handcrafted nature and natural materials align perfectly with our sustainable ethos, while its distinctive warm touch enhances your daily kefir ritual, making it feel more intentional and special.

The Cloth

Sometimes, the simplest elements present the greatest challenges. We initially aimed to use repurposed fabrics but couldn't guarantee consistent sizing or compliance with food safety standards. We ultimately chose a 100% cotton mono-material, perfectly sized for your upcycled brewery vase.

The Booklet

Education is at the heart of our boxes. The booklet serves as your essential guide to growing and nurturing your water kefir grains, walking you through each step of the fermentation process. It includes our three specially crafted recipes—Ocean, Golden Elixir, and Earl Grey & Orange Blossom—each designed to offer unique flavors and wellness benefits.

We didn't want this to be merely instructional but also a space for personal reflection. Accompanying the beautiful imagery throughout, we've included dedicated spaces to write down your thoughts and "gut feelings" as you progress through your fermentation journey—creating a mindful connection between the cultivation of both your kefir and your self-awareness.

Rather than using traditional inks, we opted for an embossed booklet to minimize environmental impact. The elastic bands serve dual purposes—holding the individual recipe pages together while also providing a practical way to secure the cloth to your vase. We deliberately designed the recipes as separate pages so you could easily reference your favorite variation during preparation without flipping through the entire guide.

The Cornstarch Packaging Inserts

First introduced in our Christmas gift sets, our wash-away inserts are made from cornstarch that dissolves in seawater, freshwater, or home compost—leaving no trace behind while still maintaining the functional purpose of keeping products securely in place and safe from damage during transportation. We believe that sustainability and practicality can work together, and these inserts exemplify our commitment to both environmental consciousness and product integrity.

The Living Kefir Grains

Like a garden, our microbiome requires proper care to thrive. We made the deliberate choice to send the kefir grains alive rather than dehydrated, despite the additional challenges this created for us in packaging and shipping. Our biggest priority was ensuring you could begin your fermentation journey immediately without the delay and uncertainty of rehydration.

This decision was not without its concerns—we were unsure about whether all kefir grains would arrive alive and active after transit. Shipping living organisms presents unique challenges, and we knew there was a risk that some grains might not survive their journey. Despite this uncertainty, we felt the benefits of providing immediately usable, living cultures outweighed the alternative of sending dehydrated grains that would require days to reactivate.

While this decision made the process more complex on our end, we felt it would provide a significantly better experience for you—offering the most authentic and accessible introduction to the world of fermentation.

Spiraglow™ Hydrating Toner + Spiraglow™ EGF Serum

To complement the fermentation kit, we selected these microbiome-friendly formulations. Crafted with fermented algae that supports skin's natural balance, these products create a holistic experience connecting internal and external nourishment.

We chose to pair these skincare elements with the water kefir grains to illustrate how the fermentation process in skincare mirrors the transformation occurring in your brewing vessel. This thoughtful combination allows you to experience fermentation's benefits in multiple forms—supporting digestive health through water kefir while nourishing your skin through our carefully formulated products.

Our Learnings and Evolution

Creating this first subscription box taught us valuable lessons about balancing ideals with practicality. While we couldn't implement every solution we dreamed of, each decision was guided by our commitment to making the most environmentally conscious choice available within functional parameters.

We've also learned the importance of transparency—sharing our intentions and the reasoning behind each element helps you connect more deeply with the products and our mission. This thoughtful approach sometimes feels so natural to us that we forget to highlight it.

As we continue to evolve, your feedback remains invaluable. Thank you for being part of this journey toward a more intentional way of living. We're committed to constant improvement, weaving ancient wisdom with modern science to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary—much like the subtle dance between your internal microbiome and external radiance.

We hope this glimpse into our design process helps you appreciate the care and intention behind every element in your subscription box and the ones to come! Each component was created with a purpose, prioritising both your well-being and our shared environment.

Unlock a renewal ritual with our next box: formulated to enhance natural regeneration through the power of skin’s exfoliation and minerals.

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