A tribute to a pioneer: How one book inspired the birth of Fermentierra.
In 2025, Fermentierra celebrated five years of community and exploration. To mark the anniversary, we welcomed Sandor Ellix Katz, whose work inspired the project – a true return to our roots.
Who is Sandor Katz?
Sandor Ellix Katz is an internationally recognised fermentation revivalist. His James Beard Award-winning landmark book The Art of Fermentation has encouraged thousands of people to reconnect with ancestral skills. He embodies the worldwide revival of natural fermentation.
“To ferment is to transform. And transformation is life.” – Sandor Katz
A personal journey: from beer to sauerkraut
Like many people, I entered fermentation through craft beer – although I was never especially fond of alcohol. That drink nevertheless revealed the world of working microorganisms and the living balance between sugar, yeast and time.
Later, I met an unconventional baker in the canton of Fribourg. With contagious enthusiasm, he introduced me to sourdough, homemade sauerkraut and umeboshi. Every encounter added a layer to my understanding.
The book that changed everything
A few years later, I discovered Katz’s The Art of Fermentation. It was more than a manual: it invited readers to rediscover culinary knowledge rooted deeply in our traditions. Katz wrote warmly and without pretension. That gave me the confidence to make my first jar of lactic-fermented courgettes. With that modest gesture, the idea of Fermentierra began to grow.
Fermentation as empowerment
Katz’s message went far beyond technique. For him, fermenting is an act of gentle resistance, reconnection and agency. Fermentierra was born in that spirit: taking ownership of old knowledge and using it to build something living, contemporary and shared.
Looking back on a fermented celebration
Welcoming Sandor Katz for our anniversary brought the story full circle. The atmosphere was simple and alive: talks, spontaneous conversations around the jars and a small market of local producers. We celebrated not only five years of Fermentierra, but an entire world of microorganisms, shared gestures and memories worth passing on.
Frequently asked questions
What did Sandor Katz do?
He gave a talk and a workshop on fermented pastes and living cultures.
What is The Art of Fermentation?
Katz’s James Beard Award-winning reference work, which helped revive the worldwide movement.
How was Fermentierra born?
From a wish to demystify fermentation, inspired by Katz’s writing and a personal journey through beer and sourdough.
How can I take part?
Places were limited and the event took place on 21 June 2025. Check the ticket page for current events.