Fermentation has been used for thousands of years, long before refrigeration existed. Today, especially in a time of rising food costs, consumers are looking for ways to save money and prevent waste through extending the life of their food purchases. Fermented foods also offer more ways to improve gut health, support local food production, and promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
What are fermented foods?
- Benefits: save money, prevent food waste, improve health, support local, eat more produce, add new flavours
- How do fermented foods impact health?
- What are some common fermented foods?
- Everyday ways to incorporate fermented foods
- Easy recipes to try
PRESENTERS
Dr. Carla Liria Sánchez-Lafuente is a postdoctoral fellow at Western University and the Lawson Research Institute in London, Canada, and the coordinator of the Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative. She holds a BSc in biotechnology, a PhD in neuroscience, and has experience in life science consulting. Carla’s research has explored how chronic stress impacts the neurobiology of depression before shifting to the gut microbiome and diet, leading to her current work on the health benefits of fermented foods. She is passionate about food as medicine, knowledge translation, and public health impact.
Connor Flynn, “The Preserving Chef”, is a Red Seal Chef, Certified Master Food Preserver, and dedicated high school teacher in the hospitality and tourism sector. He celebrates the art and science of canning, fermenting, pickling, and long-term food storage, always with an emphasis on sustainability, seasonality, and flavour. In his class at school and through The Preserving Chef, Chef Connor teaches foundational skills while fostering confidence, curiosity, and respect for the craft.
Dorothy Long is the Managing Director of Canadian Food Focus where she works to engage, educate and empower consumers through improved information about Canadian food and farming.
The Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative is a national not-for-profit effort to advance research, education, and public awareness around fermented foods. CFFI aims to strengthen Canada’s leadership in fermentation science, innovation, and public health. fermentedfoods.ca
Canadian Food Focus is Canadian Food Focus is a national organization with the goal of improving food literacy of Canadian consumers from farm-gate to plate. We explore how food is grown and raised and provide useful advice from experts to help people make confident food choices. canadianfoodfocus.org