Our Fermented Lives: A History of How Fermented Foods Have Shaped Cultures & Communities - Hardcover

by Julia Skinner (Author), Sandor Ellix Katz (Foreword by)

Food historian and fermenting expert Julia Skinner explores the fascinating roots of a wide range of fermented foods in cultures around the world, with a focus on the many intersections of fermented foods with human history and culture, from the evolution of the microbiome to food preservation techniques, distinctive flavor profiles around the globe, and the building of community. Fans of fermentation, chefs, and anyone fascinated with the origins of various foods will enjoy this engaging popular history, which is accompanied by 42 recipes adapted from historic sources, including sauerkraut, corn beer, uji (fermented grain porridge), pickles and relishes, vinegars, ketchup, soy sauce, Tepache (fermented pineapple drink), vinegars, beet kvass, and more.

Author Biography

Julia Skinner, PhD is an award-winning food writer and culinary business owner, writing coach, fermentation and culinary educator, and food historian. Her book, Our Fermented Lives, won a silver Nautilus Award and earned her the title of Finalist for both Georgia Author of the Year and the IACP Cookbook Awards. Her book, The Fermentation Oracle, was a gold Nautilus Award winner. Skinner is the owner of Root, a fermentation and food history company, which offers classes, consulting, research services, and a food-focused newsletter. She also owns the Culinary Curiosity School, offering unique and playful culinary courses, and Roots + Branches writing and creativity coaching. She has a PhD in Library & Information Science, a graduate certificate in Book Art and Book History from the University of Iowa Center for the Book, and lives between Atlanta, GA and Cork, Ireland.