Fermenting has been something I have wanted to learn about since I worked in a vegan cafe in West End all those years ago. What pushed me again was when I started making sourdough late last year. This year Anni Philip & Rosann Wordsworth from Fabulous Food Ferments started doing workshops and information sessions. I have not missed a class since it began earlier this year.
Fabulous Food Ferments all began when Anni began using fermented foods during her natural healing journey with breast cancer twelve years ago. During that time Anni met Rosann and they began discussing experimenting with making fermented foods to aid with Rosann’s digestive problems. Then the idea to run a workshop and teach fermentation techniques about the benefits of culturing food came. From this one workshop they ended up doing a series of classes across the Sunshine Coast. With a high demand for information about consuming cultured foods they have now made an instructional DVD.
I spoke with Annie and Rosann and they shared that the benefits of consuming fermented foods assists in re-establishing the balance of healthy microbes in the gut and bowel. These microbes, or friendly bacteria, are essential for health and well-being. Your digestion is improved and regular bowel activity is enhanced.
“These ‘functional foods’ contain probiotics that can be beneficial to your overall health. Beneficial bacteria in fermented foods help boost your overall nutrition, support digestion, and increase B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, lactase, and lactic acid.” - Dr. Joseph Mercola
If you are just getting stated and want to know more about food fermentation you can purchase the DVD that walks you through a variety of tasty recipes with a printable version of each. It also has a comprehensive list of FAQ’s about fermenting. For the complete beginner Anni and Rosann recommend making sauerkraut as it is the easiest cultured food to learn.
One week we spoke about making pickled vegetables. They are soaked, then spiced and then kept in a sealed glass jar.
Since it all began they have sold over 300 copies of the Fabulous Food Ferments and are now running regular monthly gatherings. The gatherings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the Landsborough CWA Hall from 10am – 12. Each session is $15. If you would like to book for the class please check out their facebook page for event details and to keep updated.
Their facebook page is like a forum for people to talk and share about fermenting and ask any questions they may have while experimenting at home. You can also buy the DVD directly from their website.
Above and below are pictures of some of the tasty treats you get to sample each month at the workshop. Sourdough, milk kiffir cheese, beet kavass and pickled vegetables.
FABULOUS FOOD FERMENTS
by Annie Philip and Rosann Wordsworth www.fabulousfoodferments.com.au BLOG : FACEBOOK GROUP : FACEBOOK PAGE
{ 12 comments }
Really interesting post! I’ve heard about food ferments, but haven’t investigated – looks like something I should learn about. Good stuff – thanks so much.
I can not speak of how great fermented food is for you. Definitely look into it.
I don’t know much about fermented foods but you make it sound so interesting! I didn’t realize there were health benefits to eating this way. Great info, thanks!
Impeccable timing! I’m planning to make kimchi for the first time tonight
It is super easy. I really should write a post about it.
There are so many different movements with food and this was one I had only vaguely heard of. Sounds fascinating. The Koreans certainly eat a lot of kimchi and there is often a solid basis for cultures choosing foods as staples.
Some cultures are so clever like; Korean’s eating kimchi, the Europeans eating sauerkraut, Japanese & Chinese eat pickles.
Very interesting post. I never knew that there were benefits to eating fermented foods.
Thank you for stopping by my blog!
Those pickles look really good. I also didn’t know there were health benefits for eating fermented foods xx
The health benefits are huge. It increases the good bacteria in your stomach. Most people eat acidophilus and probiotics for good health. Fermented food has more of these good bacteria’s in each mouthful.
That is also something I want to try. It is such a healthy way of preserving food. Yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
I don’t know much about fermented foods but anything to aid digestion would certainly be great!