OSLO, NORWAY – In an era dominated by standardized industrial processes and scientific precision, a fascinating glimpse into the ancestral roots of brewing is emerging from the remote farmsteads of Norway. Spearheaded by insights from Norwegian beer-maker Amund Polden Arnesen, the traditional farmhouse beer known as Maltøl is not merely a beverage but a living […]

A German reader, Peter Schottler, illuminates a forgotten culinary art, revealing how traditional German Christmas cookies, known as Lebkuchen, once relied on a months-long fermentation process to achieve their exquisite flavour and delicate texture. This meticulous practice, beginning as early as August, stands in stark contrast to modern baking methods, offering a profound connection to […]

CHIBA, JAPAN & GLOBAL KITCHENS – In an era dominated by precise scientific control in food production, a quiet revolution is brewing, celebrating the untamed power of nature. At the forefront of this movement is the ancient Japanese method of sake production known as Bodai Moto-Zukuri, a technique that leverages wild fermentation to craft beverages […]

Introduction: A Microscopic Revolution For two decades, a quiet revolution has been brewing, bubbling, and transforming kitchens and palates worldwide, largely thanks to the tireless advocacy of one man: Sandor Ellix Katz. Hailing from a tranquil forest homestead in rural Tennessee, Katz has emerged as the undisputed high priest of fermentation, a mysterious yet profoundly […]

In an era where the global wellness industry is increasingly looking backward to move forward, ancient fermented foods have moved from the periphery of health food stores to the center of the culinary stage. Among these, few possess the historical pedigree and nutritional density of Amazake. A traditional Japanese fermented rice drink, Amazake is often […]

Oslo, Norway – In an age dominated by industrial precision and standardized processes, a vibrant and ancient brewing tradition continues to thrive in the remote valleys and coastal communities of Norway. Known as Maltøl, this traditional farmhouse beer, and the unique Kveik yeast that defines it, represent a living testament to centuries of ingenious adaptation, […]

Chiba Prefecture, Japan – In a world increasingly dominated by standardized processes and controlled environments, the pursuit of traditional methods often unearths profound insights and unparalleled flavors. This was precisely the discovery made by renowned fermentation expert Sandor Katz during a December visit to the Terada Honke Brewery in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Nestled amidst the […]

Global fermentation guru Sandor Ellix Katz embarked on a transformative journey through China in late 2016, immersing himself in the country’s ancient and diverse fermentation practices. Accompanied by a multilingual and like-minded team, Katz’s expedition, now documented in an insightful eight-part video series titled "People’s Republic of Fermentation," offers a rare glimpse into the heart […]

From the sacred slopes of the Acropolis to the bustling energy of its contemporary streets, Athens offers an unparalleled fusion of ancient grandeur and vibrant urban life. As a city steeped in over 3,400 years of history, it continues to captivate visitors, drawing them into an immersive experience where mythological past meets a dynamic present. […]

OSLO, Norway – In a world increasingly dominated by standardized industrial processes, pockets of ancient tradition persist, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of past generations. Among these treasures is the rich and distinctive heritage of Norwegian farmhouse brewing, a craft that has quietly thrived for centuries in the country’s remote valleys and […]