The Benefits of Fermentation

Pictured above is carrots in the process of being fermented.

Fermentation has been a very popular technique to help preserve foods that aren't ready to be eaten yet. Fermentation can be very beneficial in several ways. Fermentation makes food more digestible and can enhance taste. It has tons of microorganisms and can promote diversity and helps contain gut health. It also contains ingredients that help prevent cancer and antioxidants. Besides from all that, fermented foods have a tangy and complex flavor. Some people really like fermented foods and others don't. Alcohol, lactic acid, and acetic acid all aid the preservation of fermented foods and prevent spillage. Some popular fermented foods are sour cream, pickles, sauerkraut, and Kimchi. The longer you keep your fermented food stored, the more sour it will taste. Fermentation is a very popular and encouraged way to preserve food and makes it taste really good too!

--Posted by an anonymous student [ed.]