A revealing look at the 300 trillion microorganisms that keep us healthy—and the foods they need to thrive These days, probiotic yogurt and other "gut-friendly" foods line supermarket shelves. But what's the best way to feed our all-important microbiome—and what is a microbiome, anyway? In this engaging and eye-opening book, science journalist Katherine Harmon Courage investigates these questions, presenting a deep dive into the ancient food traditions and the latest research for maintaining a healthy gut. Courage’s insights include: • Meet your microbiome: What it is, how it works, and why it's essential for our immune system--and overall health • Gut-friendly food traditions: A guided tour of artisanal makers of yogurt, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, olives, cocoa, and other vibrant, ancient foods from around the world that feed our microbiome (along with simple recipes for curious at-home cooks) • Cutting-edge science: A first-hand look at some of the top lab facilities where microbiologists are working to better understand the human gut and how to feed it for good health Equal parts science explainer, culinary investigation, and global roadmap for healthy eating, Cultured offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in making smart food choices in our not-so-gut-friendly modern world.

Enjoy your own homemade kefir, kombucha, cultured veggies, sprouted bread, drinks, beer, mead, natural soda, yogurt, cheese, meat, fish and much more. Master the art of home fermenting in an easy to understand and straightforward way. This NATURALLY FERMENTED FOODS book gives not only tasty recipes but also are filled with helpful tips, information important to safe fermenting, and interesting facts for the ease which not only takes the stress out of at-home fermentation but makes it fun and enjoyable process. Also covered the topics in NATURALLY FERMENTED FOODS are: 1. Introduction of needed equipment and ingredients. 2. Great reasons to start making and eating fermented foods. 3. Selecting Produce for Fermenting 4. Choosing Meat, Eggs, and other Ingredients for Fermenting 5. Essential information about fermenting veggies, fruits, grains etc. 6. Troubleshooting

Nutrition expert Amanda Archibald's groundbreaking resource for learning about the relationship between our genes and the food we eat and how to put it into practice in your kitchen for your best health.

In developing countries, traditional fermentation serves many purposes. It can improve the taste of an otherwise bland food, enhance the digestibility of a food that is difficult to assimilate, preserve food from degradation by noxious organisms, and increase nutritional value through the synthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins. Although "fermented food" has a vaguely distasteful ring, bread, wine, cheese, and yogurt are all familiar fermented foods. Less familiar are gari, ogi, idli, ugba, and other relatively unstudied but important foods in some African and Asian countries. This book reports on current research to improve the safety and nutrition of these foods through an elucidation of the microorganisms and mechanisms involved in their production. Also included are recommendations for needed research.

"The bible for the D.I.Y set: detailed instructions for how to make your own sauerkraut, beer, yogurt and pretty much everything involving microorganisms."--The New York Times *Named a "Best Gift for Gardeners" by New York Magazine The original guide to kraut, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, and kvass; mead, wine, and cider; pickles and relishes; tempeh, koji, miso, sourdough and so much more...! Winner of the James Beard Foundation Book Award for Reference and Scholarship, and a New York Times bestseller, with more than a quarter million copies sold, The Art of Fermentation is the most comprehensive guide to do-it-yourself home fermentation ever published. Sandor Katz presents the concepts and processes behind fermentation in ways that are simple enough to guide a reader through their first experience making sauerkraut or yogurt, and in-depth enough to provide greater understanding and insight for experienced practitioners. While Katz expertly contextualizes fermentation in terms of biological and cultural evolution, health and nutrition, and even economics, this is primarily a compendium of practical information--how the processes work; parameters for safety; techniques for effective preservation; troubleshooting; and more. With two-color illustrations and extended resources, this book provides essential wisdom for cooks, homesteaders, farmers, gleaners, foragers, and food lovers of any kind who want to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for arguably the oldest form of food preservation, and part of the roots of culture itself. Readers will find detailed information on fermenting vegetables; sugars into alcohol (meads, wines, and ciders); sour tonic beverages; milk; grains and starchy tubers; beers (and other grain-based alcoholic beverages); beans; seeds; nuts; fish; meat; and eggs, as well as growing mold cultures, using fermentation in agriculture, art, and energy production, and considerations for commercial enterprises. Sandor Katz has introduced what will undoubtedly remain a classic in food literature, and is the first--and only--of its kind.

Fermentation is an ancient way of preserving food as an aid to digestion, but the centralization of modern foods has made it less popular. Katz introduces a new generation to the flavors and health benefits of fermented foods. Since the first publication of the title in 2003 he has offered a fresh perspective through a continued exploration of world food traditions, and this revised edition benefits from his enthusiasm and travels.

Over 60 delicious, stomach-friendly fermented food recipes for health and vitality. For thousands of years, people have been making naturally fermented vegetables, fruits, dairy products and ales. Japanese cuisine features fermented pickles, miso and kombucha, a fermented tea now commonplace in New York City. In South Korea, live cultured cabbage, or kimchi, is a culinary mainstay and is spreading far and wide. Sourdough bread, made from naturally fermented dough is now coveted across the world.These fermented foods transform sugars and carbohydrates into probiotic powerhouses, containing friendly bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive tract. This can help increase energy levels, stabilize blood pressure and lead to healthier, radiant-looking skin. Creative chef, teacher and health-food expert Dunja Gulin presents over 60 tantalizing ways to introduce fermented foods to your everyday diet. Start the day with Banana and Blueberry Kefir Muffins or Comforting Cacao Oatmeal. Lunch & Dinner ideas include Probiotic Gazpacho and Egyptian-inspired Rice and Lentil Stew. The Probiotic Drinks section includes health-boosting concoctions like Coconut Kefir Smoothie, while Something Sweet provides delightfully tempting recipes, such as Sweet Cinnamon & Yogurt Scones.