Back to River Cottage Courses
A woman stands in front of a bowl with jars of fermented products.
Two Jars of fermented vegetables.
Two women collaborate in a kitchen.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
A woman stands in front of a bowl with jars of fermented products.
Two Jars of fermented vegetables.
Two women collaborate in a kitchen.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
Only 7 dates left

Fermentation Basics

£195.00

Book this course
03 May
£195
24 May
£195
02 Jun
£195
20 Jun
£195
04 Jul
£195
22 Aug
£195
14 Sep
£195
1 day
Adult
Close
10:00 - 17:00

Master gut-friendly ferments with expert Rachel de Thample at River Cottage.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fermenter, this course will inspire you with creative ways to make fermented foods using top-quality, seasonal ingredients.

We’ll start with the basics of fermenting vegetables, including sauerkraut and fermented pickles. Then, we’ll dive into fermented batters like dosas, blinis, and farinata. You’ll also learn about delicious fermented dairy and sparkling, healthy drinks like kombucha.

Throughout the day, you’ll pick up essential techniques for preserving food, with everything you need to start fermenting at home. You’ll leave with jars of future ferments, a recipe pack full of tips, and a range of tasty tasters to enjoy.

Is this course suitable for me?  We recommend this course for participants aged 12 and up. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.

Already familiar with fermentation basics? Check out our Global Ferments or Gut Health: How to Rewild Your Microbiome courses for the next step.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Arrive and meet your host, then relax with a comforting tea or coffee, paired with a delightful welcome snack prepared by our chefs, featuring fresh treats from our garden.

SESSION ONE

We’ll jump right into the art of fermenting grains and dairy to make them more digestible. Then, together, we’ll craft a delicious batch of traditional Russian blinis.

SESSION TWO

Next, we’ll dive into the world of lacto-fermentation as Rachel teaches you to make your own sauerkraut. Whether it's a vibrant wild garlic kraut for spring, a refreshing elderflower and rhubarb kraut for summer, or a curried parsnip kraut with orchard pears and garden herbs for autumn, you’ll discover the art of fermentation. Plus, you'll learn how to use brine instead of vinegar to create lacto-fermented pickles—quick to prepare and even healthier than raw vegetables.

LUNCH

Lunch, prepared by our award-winning chefs, will showcase some of Rachel’s favourite ferments, such as rich fermented mushroom pâté and oat-crumbed mackerel with honey-fermented rhubarb and thyme.

SESSION THREE

The afternoon will focus on healthy fruit ferments and refreshing drinks. With so many fun ways to ferment fruit, Rachel will guide you through her favorite techniques. You’ll also create a delicious honey-fermented jam, using honey from local bees to add a unique twist.

SESSION FOUR

We’ll then cook the blinis we’ve been fermenting throughout the day and enjoy them with a selection of Rachel’s expertly matured ferments.

SESSION FIVE

As you enjoy your final treats, Rachel will guide you through making her favourite homemade drink—fermented tea, also known as kombucha. She’ll share her passion for brewing kombucha and provide you with a starter kit to take home, along with detailed instructions on how to brew and transform your kombucha into seasonal masterpieces. You’ll also have the chance to sample Rachel’s seasonal creations, like Marmalade & Toast or Gorse kombucha.

DEPARTURE

You’ll have time to chat with your fellow participants and the River Cottage team before wrapping up at 5pm. You’ll head home with copies of the recipes, jars of kraut, kimchi, and pickles you’ve made, along with a honey-fermented jam and a kombucha SCOBY, so you can continue your brewing journey at home.

Highlights

  • Create your own kraut and pickles using local, seasonal ingredients.
  • Learn how to ferment drinks like kombucha.
  • Explore the art of fermenting batters and dairy.
  • Master the skills to make apple cider vinegar and other vinegars from foraged ingredients and fruit scraps.
  • Discover how fermentation enhances both sweet and savoury dishes.
  • Adapt recipes to highlight the best seasonal produce.
  • Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch featuring fermented foods.
  • Take the opportunity to explore our beautiful farm.
  • Take home a complimentary recipe pack with all the day’s recipes.
Gut Health & FermentationRiver Cottage Courses
Can’t find the right date? Click here to receive an alert
when new dates are released for this event.