9 book recommendations for microbe-lovers
Microbes do wonders to our food and gut. Get a first hand narrative from fermenters, researchers and doctors from all across the globe about the amazing world of bacteria, molds and yeasts!
1. The Big Book of Kombucha by Hannah Crum and Alex LaGory
This book is by far the most comprehensive book written in the modern times. Hannah has done an incredible job in making kombucha a household name. Grab a copy if you want to dive deeper into the rabbit hole that kombucha is.
2. The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz
The holy bible for fermentors across the globe, this book will give you all the reasons to start fermenting and stop wasting anymore time. Sandor Katz has generously shared his knowledge about global fermentation practices, cultures and cuisines.
3. Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten Shockey, Christopher Shockey
This easy to go step-by-step guidebook is ideal for new fermenters. In the book Kirsten describes her and her family's homestead living, her passion for food and community and tons and tons of fermentation recipes.
4. The Noma Guide to Fermentation By David Zilber and René Redzepi
An advanced take on fermentation practices, David Zilber and Rene Redzipi have brought fermentation from our homes into a culinary revolution, Think Peaso (a miso-style fermented lentil paste), tea-less apple kombucha, garums and Koji-Charcuterie
5. Koji Alchemy by Rich Shih and Jeremy Umansky
Fan of umami flavours? a deep-dive into the world of koji-mold, a book encapsulating the work on to koji-whisperers Rich and Jeremy, demystifying asian Mold-ferments in a easy-to-go manner.
6. Miso, Tempeh, Natto and Other Tasty Ferments By Kirsten Shockey, Christopher Shockey
Kirsten has gone further deep into fermenting grains, beans etc with a variety of microbes drawing inspiration from world cuisine. It is an interesting book that highlights the diversity of fermented foods that we have at our disposable. The knowledge to ferment these foods at home is truly empowering in the most basic sense.
The below books aren't fermentation-based books per-se but more about Gut-function. We thought to give you a perspective of how gut and fermentation are correlated.
7. Gut by Giuila Enders
By far the most enjoyable book that illustrations gut-function in an easy-to-understand manner. The book mentions in details about why our guts holds answers to most of our health questions. Fun conversations about poop and farts is an added bonus
8. The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer
This book is great for anyone looking for an in-depth scientific argument about gut-brain correlation. An insightful read on what our guts do and their link to our overall bodily function. Mind-blown guaranteed.
9. Gulp by Mary Roach
Think our alimentary canal aint worth a read? We have a whole book dedicated to the stories and studies highlighting the uniqueness of our stomachs. Sometimes too wacky too weird!
Honorary mentions:
Himalayan Fermented Foods by Jyoti Prakash Tamang
Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz
Cultured by Katherine Harmon Courage
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon