What do bread, wine, cheese, coffee, chocolate, yogurt, and beer have in common? Fermentation! Fermentation is when microorganisms like bacteria or yeast convert carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids under anaerobic circumstances. It's an easy process that has been culturally ubiquitous for centuries and is used to produce all of those aforementioned epicurean delights and so many more. Think kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and yogurt. With wide-ranging benefits from increased digestion and bioavailability of nutrients to reduced social anxiety, fermented foods combat against pervasive diseases like cancer, arthritis, and liver disease. These foods are chock-full of healthy bacteria, or probiotics, that reinforce the good bacteria in your gut, and in turn, improves your immune system (fun fact: 80% of your immune system is in your gut!). Heck yes!

Fermentation Festival. Images courtesy of Texas Farmers Market.

If the joys and benefits of fermentation strike your fancy, join us at the upcoming Fermentation Festival 2018! It’s a glorious day dedicated to all things fermented, hosted by the Texas Farmers Market. It takes place Sunday, October 21st, from 11 am to 4 pm at the brand-spankin' new Austin Central Library and the Seaholm EcoDistrict lawn. There will be 13 workshops focused on fermented foods and beverages ranging from “Cidermaking and Cider Styles from Around the World” hosted by Texas Cider Keeper to “From Gordito to Flaquito: How Fermented Foods Helped Me in Getting Lean” hosted by Hector Gonzalez, a lauded health coach. When asked what he loves about fermented foods says, "I love fermented foods for what they offer: a door to new flavors that sprout from nature in fascinating ways. These sometimes subtle, some others dramatic, transformations are beautiful accents to our everyday dishes" (read more about his fascinating and transformative food journey here). Kate Payne, our favorite canning and pickling mentor, will be on site spreading her knowledge of ferments as well. There will be a fermented foods and products market, dishes from local chefs and vendors that feature fermented ingredients, wine, beer, cider, and other tasty fermented drinks, live music, and a silent auction featuring wonderful local businesses.

Kate Payne and Brenton. Photo by Scott David Gordon.

Join the fun! Find more information on the festival here and a list of Texas Farmers Market recommended fermentation books here. ‘Til next time!