Hello friends,


I am pleased to announce that I have begun work on a new book about fermentation.


In the years since I wrote Wild Fermentation, not only has my personal fermentation practice expanded and evolved considerably, but also I have had the unique privilege of discussing fermentation and corresponding about it with thousands of people. This has yielded much new information, caused me to investigate new aspects, and brought me new insights. I wish to share this, and so I am writing another book about fermentation.


I am writing to invite you and other fermentation enthusiasts to contribute information, ideas, and images to this project. Here are a few ways you can help:


QUESTIONNAIRE: Please give some thought to the questions below and email me your responses. Also, please forward to other folks who might be interested.


IMAGES: This book will feature more graphics, so I am on the lookout. Specifically, I am seeking:

ART depicting fermentation themes or using fermented materials;

MICROSCOPY of fermented foods and the organisms that make them;

QUALITY PHOTOS of ferments, either homemade, or in indigenous contexts.


SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS: This book will include a chapter with information pertaining to starting fermentation-related business enterprises. Following the general questionnaire below are some questions for commercial fermenters about special considerations for people starting up fermentation businesses.


BEER-MAKER-MALTERS: Anyone out there malting their own barley? Or using wild fermentation for beermaking? If you do, or if you know any, please do be in touch. I am also on the lookout for folks who ferment POI, FUFU, GARI, SORGHUM BEER, CHANG, or other ferments not covered in Wild Fermentation.


And a few other matters:


EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE: Please update your address books. My correct and current email address is [email protected]. I am phasing out [email protected], which I used for years.


UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: In order to get this book written, I will not be traveling much in the coming year. I have a few workshops scheduled; check my website for dates and details.


As always, please let me know if you would rather not receive occasional emails from me. Simply reply to this with the magic word "unsubscribe."


I hope this communication finds you well.


Sandor




QUESTIONS FOR FERMENTERS


1. Can you think of any practical tips you wish you had had when you embarked upon a fermentation project?


2. Are there any common misunderstandings or fears that you have encountered talking to people about your fermentation projects?


3. Can you describe any unusual flavor, ingredient, or process variations that you have tried and especially liked?


4. Can you articulate any important life lessons you have learned from your fermentation practice?





QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMERCIAL FERMENTATION

1. Please describe your fermentation business: type of products, scale of business, geographic location.

2. Can you describe any special scrutiny or hurdles you faced in commercial licensing because you are producing fermented products?

3. When you scaled up to commercial production, were there any specific challenges related to fermenting at a larger scale, or maintaining consistency? Could you articulate some of what you learned from that?

4. What do use for fermentation vessels? Please describe your physical set-up.

4. What advice or reflections would you offer to someone thinking about starting a fermentation venture?