Introduction to Fermentation

Cooking

Types of Bread Yeast and How to Choose: The Science of Foolproof Yeast Selection

Learn about bread yeast types from a microbiology expert. Discover the characteristics of instant dry yeast, fresh yeast, and natural yeast (sourdough), how to choose the right one, and temperature control tips. Backed by science, this guide helps beginners bake delicious bread successfully.
Introduction to Fermentation

Identifying Mold on Fermented Foods: Distinguishing Safe from Dangerous Growth

Learn to identify mold on fermented foods like miso, nukadoko, and cheese. Discover how to distinguish harmless kahm yeast from dangerous mold, with scientific guidance on when to discard and when it's safe to eat.
Cooking

Miso Storage Methods: Controlling Aging for Delicious Preservation

Expert guide to miso storage methods. Learn how to store aging and finished miso, use refrigeration, freezing, and room temperature appropriately, plus long-term preservation tips. Covers color changes and troubleshooting based on microbiology.
Cooking

Fermentation Storage Methods and Shelf Life: Understanding Microbial Activity for Safe Preservation

Expert guide to fermented food storage methods. Learn temperature management, container selection, and how to judge shelf life based on microbiology. Covers basic storage principles common to all fermented foods including miso, nukadoko, natto, yogurt, and cheese.
Cooking

How to Make and Maintain Nukadoko: Understanding Microbial Activity for Delicious Results

Expert guide to making nukadoko (Japanese rice bran pickling bed). Learn the simple 3-ingredient method, daily management tips, and troubleshooting solutions based on microbiology. Perfect for beginners who want to make delicious nukazuke pickles.
Cooking

Complete Guide to Fermentation Troubleshooting: Scientific Solutions for Common Failures

Expert guide to fermentation troubleshooting. Learn the scientific causes and solutions for common problems like mold, excessive sourness, and strange odors. Covers temperature management, salt concentration, contamination, and how to identify dangerous vs. edible molds.
Cooking

How to Make Miso: Enjoying Fermented Life with Homemade Miso

Learn how to make authentic miso at home with this beginner-friendly guide from a PhD microbiologist. Discover the simple 3-ingredient recipe, fermentation science, and aging tips for delicious homemade miso.
Introduction to Fermentation

Types of Miso: Red and White

Discover the differences between red miso and white miso, two classic Japanese fermented seasonings. Learn about their flavor, fermentation, regional origins, and how to use them in cooking.