Fermentation as a Coevolutionary Force

The Fermenta Collective Reading Circle
Join us for a collective exploration of fermentation — as culture, practice, and metaphor.
In our first meeting, we’ll begin with The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz — a foundational text that celebrates the transformative power of microbial life. Katz invites us to think of fermentation not only as a biological process but also as a deeply cultural and ecological practice — one that connects us to the living world, to our ancestors, and to one another.
We’ll start by reading and discussing the first chapter, which introduces fermentation as a creative, everyday act of collaboration with microbes. Together, we’ll reflect on Katz’s approach to knowledge-sharing, his emphasis on experimentation and intuition, and what it means to cultivate a fermentative mindset in our own lives and communities.
Everyone interested in microbes, transformation, and collective learning is welcome.
New members can join at any time — we’ll share the reading list and materials for each upcoming session. Bring your curiosity, your reflections, and maybe a ferment or two to share.

The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
Chapter 1: Fermentation as a Coevolutionary Force