Why ferment food? What IS it anyways?

[erthe_mama]

What on earth is fermented food, and how is it different than pickling or other means of preservation (aside from chemicals). I'm very curious... I can't find a thread, but if someone would either let me know, or link me to another thread or info source, I'd greatly appreciate it. ;-)

Thanks, mamas.

[phroggies]

This article will probably answer most of your questions:

http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/lacto.html

HTH!

[rstump]

Lacto-fermented foods are the original probiodics. It is the traditional way to "pickle" and "preserve". Before refrigeration things needed to be preserved to be stored in bulk and eaten "off season".

[erthe_mama]

Good info, thanks very much.