Much of the food we love to ferment is fermented by bacteria. Obviously vinegar, which my company is dedicated to, is a prime example with several families of acetic acid bacteria contributing depending on the method of vinegar fermentation, acidity, and starter alcohol. For a variety of fermented foods, however, lactic acid fermentation by various lactic acid bacteria is primary. … Read More
Acetic Acid Bacteria – Function and Classification
While some people know vinegar is a product of fermentation, even fewer know that bacteria, not yeast, is the essential agent. Acetic acid bacteria—the general term for vinegar fermenting bacteria—are present throughout our environment especially in fruits. They long ago evolved to survive not only by metabolizing simple sugars (i.e. glucose) but the alcohol ethanol. Acetic acid is a waste … Read More
Mama Mia! What is mother of vinegar?
The mother of vinegar is probably the most emblematic and representative feature of traditionally made vinegar. Known for centuries as the precursor to wine, or another alcohol, changing to vinegar. It is mentioned in ancient texts both in the West and the East. However, what is the mother really? What does it mean and how does it promote the … Read More