Today we're talking about cultured food starters. What are they used for? Where can you get them? 

We'll dive into this and more, but first: What are cultured food starters, exactly?

Cultured food starters are concentrations of microorganisms in a powdered form that start a fermentation process (culturing) when added to food. 

Cultured food starters are also known as 'fermentation starter cultures', 'fermentation starters', 'fermentation cultures', or simply 'starters' or 'cultures'.

What is fermentation (culturing)?

Fermentation is a biological process of preserving food by introducing beneficial microorganisms that feed on the carbohydrates in the food. This creates natural acidification (souring) and gasification (bubbles), leading to a change in texture, flavor, and volume and an enhancement of nutritional value. The acidic environment inhibits harmful microorganisms while allowing good ones to take over, thus preserving the food. The result is a pleasant tang --the hallmark of good fermentation. 

Which foods can be made with a starter culture?

Mainstays such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut*, kimchi*, and probiotic effervescent beverages are all made with a starter.

Did you know?

Once you've made the first batch of cultured food, you can use some of it to culture your next batch**. You can repeat this process several times over. You only need to use a sachet (of starter) in the 1st batch. 

Where can you get cultured food starters?

Right here. You're only one click away from your next starter culture:

• Sauerkraut, kimchi, other cultured vegetables
• Kefir
• Probiotic yogurt
• L. Reuteri Superfood
• L. Gasseri Superfood
• Sparkling probiotic Kefir Soda

Important!

Providing the starter culture with the right conditions is crucial for success. Whichever cultured food you make, follow the instructions closely. The instructions are included in the product pouch and can also be found on the product pages on our website.

Cutting Edge Cultures specializes in the finest cultured food starters for home use to help customers make a range of extraordinary homemade cultured foods.

* While it is feasible to culture vegetables without a starter culture, doing so may lead to inconsistent and unreliable outcomes

** does not apply to cultured vegetables