Fermentation Festival In Portland

In time for pickling season, Portland, Ore., will host its fourth annual fermentation festival, offering a taste of "everything fermented" — from kefir to sour pickles. The event is open to the public and people of all ages, and will be held at the Ecotrust's Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Visitors will get the chance to talk to expert fermenters, exchange cultures and recipes, and get tips on the best fermentation techniques from local food fermentation enthusiasts. 

 

Sandor Ellix Katz, author of Wild Fermentation, The Art of Fermentation, and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved, will be attending the festival as a special guest. Top vendors serving their best fermented foods and drinks include Reverend Nat's Hard Cider, Upright Brewery, and Bingo Sandwiches, as well as more than 30 more professional and amateur fermenters. Categories of fermented products include pickled vegetables, bread, meat and fish, soy products such as miso, liquid dairy like kefir, and kombucha. 

 

In 2012 the event brought out more than 500 attendees, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.