Ruth Munro is the founder of Edinburgh Fermentarium, one of Scotland’s few fermented food makers. After incorporating fermented foods into her own life and a rethink on career focus she took the step to set out on her own….and viola Edinburgh Fermentarium was born. Read on to find out more about her journey and this amazing traditional food concept.
So how did the idea for Edinburgh Fermentarium start?
It all started I went on a course learning how to make fermented foods and drinks. We covered Kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and water kefir. I then began making them for myself and for friends. After being made redundant from my fashion design job, life coach Caroline Kirk helped me to decide to take the next steps and Edinburgh Fermentarium progressed into the small business that it is today.
What are the benefits of eating fermented foods?
Fermented foods (and beverages) have been a part of cultures around the world for thousands of years, as fermentation provides a way to preserve foods, gives them additional nutritional value and/or medicinal properties, and adds flavour.
In addition to those benefits, researchers are discovering that consuming fermented foods can contribute to positive mental health, as the beneficial bacteria in these products have a positive effect on our microbiome. Fermented foods are rich in probiotic bacteria, so by consuming fermented foods you are adding beneficial bacteria and enzymes to your overall intestinal flora, increasing the health of your gut microbiome and digestive system and enhancing the immune system.
For me I found by adding fermented food and drinks to my diet it put my system back in balance. My immune system was boosted, I hardly ever get colds now. I don’t get sinusitis or skin flare ups and my digestion is much better. Although there are numerous health benefits to eating fermented foods, lets not forget the amazing flavour! Fermentation creates complex flavours which can’t be replicated by chemical additives, vinegar or spices.
Tell us about the different products you sell and where in Edinburgh they can be bought.
I have at least 15 different recipes that I rotate. My great taste award winning Cracking Kimchi is my best seller. My Magic Mojito, Thieves Vinegar and Fermented Figs have all also just won Great taste awards. Other products include Stoatin’ Sauerkraut with fresh tumeric root, Braw Slaw – a beetroot based Kraut, OohYaBeauty Onions – if you like pickled onions you’ll love this, Curry Kraut, Smoking Slaw, Ginger Kraut and Hungarian Sour. I also sell Scoby’s so you can make your own Kombucha at home. I can be found at Edinburgh Farmers market, Leith market, Stockbridge market and Haddington farmers market.
What are the benefits of buying your fermented products vs a shop bought brand?
All of my kimchis and krauts are fermented in small batches in large glass jars as opposed to plastic. They all ferment for at least 4 weeks to ensure all three stages of fermentation have occurred. This optimises health benefits and maximises probiotic content and taste ensuring the products are crunchy and fresh tasting. My passion for health and flavour combined with my creativity and knack for fermenting make my products unique and delicious.
Do you offer any courses in making fermented foods or any top tips for someone new to this?
I certainly do and have some coming up soon. ‘Kimchi and Kraut’ and ‘Kombucha’ The reason I love hosting workshops is to try and break the taboo of people thinking fermented foods are strange, a bit scary and not very tasty. The more people I can encourage to try them and realise they are actually fresh, crunchy and tasty with the unexpected tang that fermentation brings the better. There are so many people who have never heard of fermented foods, I just love sharing the benefits of adding traditional fermented foods to your diet.
Link to booking edinburghfermentarium.co.uk/
Top tips for a first time visitor to Edinburgh.
Seek out the farmers markets and the many small independent food producers and cafes
Where is your own hidden Edinburgh?
It’s not very hidden, but Arthurs seat is my haven. There’s a bit I call the hidden valley that hardly any one goes to where you can’t see any of the Edinburgh skyline or hear the traffic. It feels so remote and yet it’s only a ten minute walk from my house 🙂
