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FD 09 — Exploring the World of Asian Ferments

Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Trevor Ring
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Online
Date(s): Feb 13—Mar 20
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Tuition: $405
   
Refund Deadline: Feb 15
 
Unit(s): 1
   
Enrollment Limit: 55
  
Status: Open
 
Quarter: Winter
Day: Thursdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Feb 13—Mar 20
Unit(s): 1
Location: Online
 
Tuition: $405
 
Refund Deadline: Feb 15
 
Instructor(s): Trevor Ring
 
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
 
Enrollment Limit: 55
 
Recording Available: Yes
 
Status: Open
 
Many of Asia’s most iconic foods, like soy sauce and kimchi, owe their rich umami flavors to the precise fermentation of raw ingredients with yeasts, molds, and bacteria. This course immerses you in Asia’s fascinating fermentation traditions, where you’ll uncover the history behind these artisanal methods and gain hands-on experience creating a diverse range of fermented foods. We’ll delve into time-honored techniques that demand more patience and skill than Western staples like sauerkraut and kombucha.

Whether you’re a fermentation enthusiast or a curious home cook, this course will equip you with the skills to build home incubators, confidently ferment foods with diverse microbes, and craft delicious, inventive products. You’ll master the art of fermentation while exploring its significance in culinary traditions like Japan’s koji and miso, Korea’s gochujang, and Indonesia’s tempe. Expert guest speakers will share specialized techniques and practical insights, helping you source unique starter cultures and appreciate the cultural role of each product. By the end, you’ll be ready to create umami-packed, Asian-inspired dishes that bring the deep flavors of fermentation into your kitchen.

This course includes optional making and tasting of fermented foods and is geared toward intermediate fermenters. Students can expect to spend $75–$150 on ingredients, materials, and products. More details will be provided prior to the first class.

TREVOR RING
Founder, Community Cultures

Trevor Ring received an MBA and MA in food studies from Chatham University and has been teaching on the topic of fermentation for over a decade. His business, Community Cultures, aims to make fermentation accessible and inspiring for everyone. He is passionate about using fermentation to build community, create a more resilient food system, and harness creativity.

Textbooks for this course:

(Required) Kirsten K. Shockey & Christopher Shockey, Miso, Temeph, Natto & Other Tasty Ferments (ISBN 978-1612129884)
(Recommended) Jeremy Umansky & Rich Shih, Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation (ISBN 978-1603588683)
(Recommended) Mingoo Kang, Joshua David Stein & Nadia Cho, Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking (ISBN 978-1648291869)