These sour, long-lasting treats are a part of traditional cuisine from every continent that dates back hundreds of years.
In the absence of refrigerators, fermenting perishable foods was a practical method of food preservation.
Improved digestion and a more robust immune system are just two of the many health benefits that accompany this process.
Fermentation has persisted in many cultures for a reason; it's unclear if our forefathers were aware of these advantages or were simply being frugal.
Explore the many benefits of fermentation by clicking through the accompanying gallery.
Bacteria and yeasts transform the sugar and starch in fresh food into alcohol and acid through a process called fermentation.
You can think of fermented foods as just aged food.