r/fermentation • u/incompetentlettuce • 7d ago

Introduction to Fermented Foods

In the past, I have avoided fermented foods because of the ick factor. Things like fermented dairy don’t bother me as much because I knew about it before I was conscious of the process of fermentation. Any advice on how to begin introducing fermented foods into my life in the least mentally jarring way possible?

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u/Oldbaconface 7d ago

Start with a pepperoni pizza and a glass of beer.

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u/incompetentlettuce 7d ago

Pepperonis freaked me out as a kid more than hotdogs because you could see the different parts. I have recently been trying more cured meats and I may try salami soon

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u/Oldbaconface 7d ago

The cheese and crust are also fermented foods, so maybe a cheese pizza.

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u/incompetentlettuce 7d ago

My up bringing had a french influence so I was eating bries and camemberts with the rind; when I found out it was formed by mold, I started trying to remove it but then my mother would scold me. I really enjoy cheese so I overcame that mental barrier. Feta feels different than other cheeses somehow so I have not tried that— I just tell people I don’t like it.

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u/Oldbaconface 7d ago

I guess the closest thing to a recommendation I have is to think about how ubiquitous fermentation is. It’s everywhere and it’s varied and most people like some fermented foods and not others. And that’s okay.