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Victoria Ashcroft

Begin Your Journey into Wild Fermentation for Homemade Staples

Imagine creating vibrant, tangy, gut-friendly foods at home—with nothing more than vegetables, salt, and time. No starter cultures, no fancy equipment, just nature doing its work. That’s the magic of wild fermentation. This beginner-friendly wild fermentation guide will walk you through the basics of how to start fermenting vegetables, fruits, and other foods using naturally Read More

Traditional Fermentation Staples from Eastern European Kitchens

In every corner of Eastern Europe, from rural Russian dachas to bustling Polish markets, fermentation has been a cornerstone of culinary and cultural identity. Long before refrigeration, Eastern Europeans developed a sophisticated array of fermentation methods to preserve the bounty of their short growing seasons. What emerged wasn’t just practicality—it was a deep tradition of Read More

Exploring the Role of Fermented Foods in Mental Wellness

Ever had a gut feeling about something? You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong either. Science is learning from ancient wisdom. There’s a real, physical link between the gut and the brain. The trillions of microbes in your gut do more than aid digestion. They also affect how you feel, think, and react to stress. This Read More

Creating Flavorful Mustard with the Power of Natural Fermentation

Ketchup and mayonnaise might dominate the condiment shelf, but there’s one unsung hero that punches far above its weight: mustard. It’s bold, spicy, and utterly transformative. But have you ever tried mustard that goes beyond the jar, into the realm of natural fermentation? Welcome to the world of fermented mustard — where flavour meets function Read More

How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch

There’s something truly special about baking bread with a natural sourdough starter. The flavours are richer, the crust has the perfect crunch, and the health benefits of wild fermentation add an extra layer of satisfaction. This guide will show you how to cultivate your own wild yeast culture using simple ingredients. Follow this DIY sourdough Read More

Making Whole Grain Fermented Flatbreads from Scratch at Home
Victoria Ashcroft April 30, 2025

Flatbreads have fed civilisations for thousands of years. They’re rustic, versatile, and humble. But when you introduce whole grains and fermentation to the mix, they transform into something truly special: deeply flavoured, gut-friendly, and richly nutritious. Welcome to the world of whole grain fermented flatbreads — the sweet spot between ancestral wisdom and today’s health-conscious Read More

Exploring Traditional Fermented Delicacies of the Middle East
Victoria Ashcroft April 29, 2025

The sun-drenched lands of the Middle East are known for their lavish hospitality, vibrant spices, and deeply rooted culinary traditions. But beyond shawarma, hummus, and baklava lies a fascinating world of Middle Eastern fermentation—a craft that has preserved and enriched foods for centuries in these arid landscapes. From labneh strained to probiotic perfection to bright Read More

Creating Naturally Fermented Pizza Dough for Rich Flavour and Texture
Victoria Ashcroft April 23, 2025

Picture this: a golden, crispy pizza base with a slight chew, deep flavour, and a gut-friendly bonus. Sound good? That’s what you get with naturally fermented pizza dough. Swapping out commercial yeast for wild cultures not only enhances flavour and texture but also adds a powerful punch of probiotics. Whether you’re a sourdough novice or Read More

Creating a Sourdough Starter Using Wild Yeast for Perfect Bread
Victoria Ashcroft April 23, 2025

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a warm, crusty slice of sourdough bread—especially when you know you made it from scratch. But the journey begins long before kneading and baking. It starts with a sourdough starter, a living culture teeming with natural, wild yeast. If the idea of growing wild yeast sounds intimidating, rest Read More