What is Fermentation?
Fermentation can be defined as the process in which microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria, breaks down and converts sugar molecules into ethanol, also known as alcohol, and carbon dioxide, resulting a simpler food substance.
However, what really happens is the bacteria feeds on sugar or carbohydrate, also producing lactic acid, which preserves the fermented food.
There are varieties of food based on fermentation.
Several food that are made through fermentation are:
However, what really happens is the bacteria feeds on sugar or carbohydrate, also producing lactic acid, which preserves the fermented food.
There are varieties of food based on fermentation.
Several food that are made through fermentation are:
- Pizza (pizza dough)
- Ginger beer
- Yogurt
- Bread
- Pickled food
Why is Fermentation important?
Fermentation is important for keeping our body in a healthy condition.
Then the question would be, how is it healthy?
The reason why the fermentation process creates significant health benefits for our body, is because the process creates beneficial enzymes such as vitamin-b, omega 3 fatty acids and varieties of probiotics.
It is also proven that the preservation of the nutrients will improve your digestion by the bacteria breaking down the food and converting it to a simpler form, making the substances easier to digest.
Then the question would be, how is it healthy?
The reason why the fermentation process creates significant health benefits for our body, is because the process creates beneficial enzymes such as vitamin-b, omega 3 fatty acids and varieties of probiotics.
It is also proven that the preservation of the nutrients will improve your digestion by the bacteria breaking down the food and converting it to a simpler form, making the substances easier to digest.
Physical Changes
Physical changes of fermented food:
- Clear, white froth is formed on top of the active yeast
- The mixture of warm water and yeast results in a watery light yellow mixture with a small amount of bubbles formed on the top.
- A strong, acidic smell is created from the chemical reactions producing acid products during the fermentation process.
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes of fermented food:
- The sugar molecules are converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide gas.
- Beneficial enzymes and nutritional elements are produced during the fermentation process.
Fun with fermentation
- Homemade Ginger beer
- Pizza
Homemade Ginger Beer Recipe
for making 2 Litres (two bottles)
Ingredients needed:
Method
What happens during the 24 to 48 hours?
The yeast ( or lactobacilli) inside the bottles start to become active in the warm environment and starts to reproduce and feed on the caster sugar. The yeast then produces lactic acid which gives the ginger beer its fizz and the ginger gives it a unique taste. Other types of significant nutrients are produced during this process which why homemade ginger beer is a healthy source of drink.
What happens to the yeast when it is in the refrigerator?
When the ginger beer is placed into the refrigerator, the yeast inside the ginger beer will gradually slow down their reproduction from the low temperature (yeast can only grow in a warm environment) and will stop the fermentation process.
for making 2 Litres (two bottles)
Ingredients needed:
- I tsp of dry yeast
- 1 cup of caster sugar
- 1 1/2 fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lemon
- Warm water
Method
- Add dry yeast to the bottles (1 tsp for each bottle), caster sugar (1 cup each) and shake it together.
- Then add the ginger and lemon to each bottle and shake.
- Fill the bottle with warm water almost to the top, put the lid on and place them in a slightly warm area for 24 to 48 hours, then place in the refrigerator.
What happens during the 24 to 48 hours?
The yeast ( or lactobacilli) inside the bottles start to become active in the warm environment and starts to reproduce and feed on the caster sugar. The yeast then produces lactic acid which gives the ginger beer its fizz and the ginger gives it a unique taste. Other types of significant nutrients are produced during this process which why homemade ginger beer is a healthy source of drink.
What happens to the yeast when it is in the refrigerator?
When the ginger beer is placed into the refrigerator, the yeast inside the ginger beer will gradually slow down their reproduction from the low temperature (yeast can only grow in a warm environment) and will stop the fermentation process.
Be careful...
Be careful to not keep your bottles of ginger beer outside of the refrigerator for too long, as the yeast will continue to grow and the pressure inside the bottle will cause it to overflow when opening it.
Therefore, to keeping your homemade ginger beer from exploding, always it place in the refrigerator at the given time.
Tip- Keeping your ginger beer chilled will bring out the best of its taste.
Therefore, to keeping your homemade ginger beer from exploding, always it place in the refrigerator at the given time.
Tip- Keeping your ginger beer chilled will bring out the best of its taste.
Freshly Cooked Pizza Recipe
Servings for two people
Ingredients:
Equipment:
Method for dough:
Needed toppings:
Method:
What happens to the pizza when it is in the oven?
Within the 20 minutes of the pizza in the oven, because of the fermentation process, the pizza base reacts to the heat and begins to rise and cook, giving it the expected spongy, chewy texture and a crisp surface.
If fermentation hadn't taken place, your pizza would be like eating cardboard with tomato sauce and cheese.
Enjoy!
Servings for two people
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp of yeast
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 2 cups of plain flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tsp olive oil
Equipment:
- Tea towel
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Clean bench for needing dough.
- Rolling pin
- Tray to put in the oven
Method for dough:
- In a small bowl mix warm water and yeast together.
- Cover the bowl with a tea towel and place in a warm place for 10-15 minutes to commence fermentation.
- In a large bowl combine flour and salt, and make a well in the center.
- Add the frothing yeast to the flour mixture and olive oil.
- Mix together thoroughly and knead on a clean bench. Knead the dough by folding one side into the center and pushing it into it, then continue to do that to the rest of the dough until it is nice and soft, consistent without any cracks or lumps. (however, do not knead it too much as it will cause the dough to not rise during its time in the oven.
- Then place the dough in an oiled bowl ( doesn't have to be a new bowl) and covered with the tea towel for about 5 minutes in a warm place.
- Knead the dough once again for 2 minutes and you can wrap your dough with cling wrap and place into the freezer for another day, or continue until your pizza is ready to eat.
Needed toppings:
- 1 Tablespoon of Tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato cooking sauce
- Selected toppings. Can be ham, vegetables, pepperoni, etc.
Method:
- Preheat the oven at 200 Degrees Celsius.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to the appropriate size and place onto the tray. The base of your pizza should be about 5mm thick to ensure that it is not too thin or too thick.
- Create the crust of your pizza by using your hands or a fork to make a thick border around the pizza. However this step is optional as some may prefer a crust-less pizza.
- Prepare the topping ingredients that you have chosen.
- Combine the sauce and tomato paste and spread over your pizza with a spoon or a knife.
- Then evenly arrange your selected toppings on top. (Don't forget grated cheese!)
- Put into the oven and let the pizza bake for 20 minutes.
What happens to the pizza when it is in the oven?
Within the 20 minutes of the pizza in the oven, because of the fermentation process, the pizza base reacts to the heat and begins to rise and cook, giving it the expected spongy, chewy texture and a crisp surface.
If fermentation hadn't taken place, your pizza would be like eating cardboard with tomato sauce and cheese.
Enjoy!