Fermentation
Our Living World
Every organism carries around 和 within it the microbes that will eventually decompose it. We can create a selective environment to favor these beneficial bacteria to start fermentation. Bacteria that ferment food also contribute to anaerobic stages of 堆肥.
满足 Lactobacilli spp.
的 Lactobacilli family of bacteria does the work of predigesting food for us. 的y eat sugars 和 produce lactic-acid as a byproduct of their metabolism. 的 acidic environment they create inhibits competition from spoilage organisms, making food safe to eat.
Salt + Fresh Vegetables
添加 盐 to fresh vegetables draws water from plant cells. This makes the vegetables firmer 和 surrounds them in a watery brine in which lactic acid bacteria can begin to ferment.
Starter 文化s
Many fermented foods are started with cultures from a previous batch. A spoonful of 酸奶 with live cultures can be “backslopped” into warmed milk to inoculate a new batch 的酸奶. Some live cultures, as in sourdough, can be created through wild fermentation. Others depend on the use of a symbiotic community of bacteria 和 yeasts, also called 一个极具.
What's 一个极具?
A SCOBY is a collection of bacteria that creates a cellulose matrix where companion yeasts can thrive. 的 bacteria digests sugars while the yeasts consume the byproducts of lactic acid fermentation. 酸乳酒 和 康普茶 each use a different type of SCOBY.
Fermentation enthusiasts are often happy to share their cultures for 酸奶, sourdough, kefir, 和 康普茶. Starter cultures can also be purchased from suppliers online.
Benefits of Fermentation
Promote Inner Biodiversity
We have more nonhuman than human cells in our bodies. Most of these are beneficial bacteria that reside in our digestive tract. We can bolster our immune system 和 boost natural “feel-good” serotonin levels by eating live fermented foods, which support balanced populations of beneficial microbes.
Increase Vitamins
By eating fermented vegetables like 泡菜 和 泡菜, or lacto-fermented fruits 和 roots like 泡菜 和 胡萝卜, we enjoy increased bioavailability of their nutrients. Unlocked B vitamins promote cellular metabolism. More vitamin C supports growth 和 repair of tissues. 发酵 vegetables also present a source of vitamin K2.
Decrease Toxins
Fermentation of plants can also help to detoxify their natural defense compounds, like phytic acid 和 草酸.
Invigorate Dairy
酸乳酒 和 酸奶 are easy dairy ferments to make at home, restoring beneficial microbes to pasteurized milk 和 reducing lactose that many people have difficulty digesting. If purchasing kefir or 酸奶 from a store, make sure the products contain live cultures.
Prolong Nutrition
Nutrients in real food decrease as they age. Fermentation keeps nutrients intact for longer periods of time.
Support Digestion
It takes a lot of work for our bodies to digest food. 发酵 foods are predigested, making their assimilation into our bodies an easier process.
Every culture around the world has food traditions involving fermentation.
Safety with Acidic 食物s
的 lactic acid created in fermentation can produce an acidic environment on your teeth, making enamel soft 和 prone to injury. Keep your enamel strong by drinking plenty of water to restore a neutral pH in your mouth, especially before eating something crunchy or brushing your teeth.