Fermenting for Food Preservation
By Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator
I grow an abundance of crops in my garden each year with plans to share with my family and close friends. But this year, I’m thinking about how I can preserve some of it so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor during seasons when my garden is not producing a particular crop. I figure now is the perfect time to do some research on ways to preserve food. Better now while it’s still winter and not when I have a ton of food waiting to be harvested!
Pickling has always been one of my favorite techniques, but this year I’m going to dive into fermenting and see where those flavor profiles take me. As one of the earliest forms of food preservation, fermenting helps food last longer and also enhances the taste, giving it added complexity. Fermenting is a natural process through which microorganisms (like yeast and bacteria) convert carbs (such as starch and sugar) into alcohol or acids. These act as natural preservatives and leave behind a unique zest and tartness.
Fermenting can even add more nutrients to food, making it even healthier for your body. One of the biggest benefits come from probiotics, which are helpful bacteria that promote good gut health by fighting off the less friendly types of bacteria. They also boost your immune system to fight against infections.
When fermenting at home, start with vegetables grown using safe practices and wash them thoroughly before cutting. Make sure all knives, cutting surfaces and hands are washed before preparing the veggies for the fermenting process. Always start with the freshest produce. Make sure your ingredients are measured correctly and you have the recommended container for the product you plan to produce. And if this process is new to you, I highly recommend following a recipe!
There are many fermenting kits for kombucha, sauerkraut and other vegetable ferments available for home fermentations, which hopefully will increase our intake and health. Keep in mind, though, that some individuals may experience side effects. Safety first!