Wild Cultures: Food Fermentation Workshop
15–17 Dec 2025 (2 nights, 3 days) — Residential & Day Options
Wild Cultures: Hands-on food fermentation — learn to make kombucha, kimchi and lots of vegan dairy alternatives & probiotic condiments. Bring home two jars of your own fermented creations.
Description
Explore the ancient, delicious art of fermentation across vegetables, grains and teas. Over three days we blend theory, tasting and hands-on practice. You’ll learn safe fermentation techniques, flavour development, preservation, and ways to integrate fermented foods into daily meals. Two glass jars are provided so you can take home the ferments you start here.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand safe lacto-fermentation principles and basic microbiology (practical, no jargon).
- Make at least two vegetable ferments, one fermented beverage (optional: kombucha or kefir), and one fermented condiment.
- Know how to scale, store, flavor and troubleshoot ferments.
- Get recipes, starter culture & troubleshooting notes to continue at home.
- Take home your ferments in 2 glass jars (provided).
Who Should Attend
Home cooks, ferment-curious, small-scale food entrepreneurs, folks interested in gut health and vegan recipe enthusiasts (no prior experience needed).
Facilitator
Bijal Balsara — Permaculture practitioner and slow living enthusiast, supported by local cooks.
3-Day Schedule
Day 1 (15 Dec)
- Arrival & orientation (check-in for residential participants).
- Introduction to fermented foods (why and what).
- Learn to brew and harvest Kombucha. Handling the SCOBY and keeping it healthy.
- Making wine from local fruit, ginger bug & easy homemade sodas.
- Prepare for sprouting (for Day 2).
Day 2 (16 Dec)
- Make Kimchi and other lacto-fermented vegetables.
- Make vegan dairy alternatives — peanut curd, seed mylks, nut cheese.
- Dosas and grain ferment variations.
- Basic rice fermentation for easy breakfast.
Day 3 (17 Dec)
- Make a fermented feast together for lunch.
- Share local recipes with other participants.
- Checkout & goodbyes (afternoon).
Inclusions
- All workshop sessions, recipes, and notes.
- 2 glass jars with lids to take home your ferments.
- Use of all workshop equipment and starter cultures.
- All meals, tea, and coffee during sessions.
Exclusions
- Residential accommodation (unless booked).
- Travel to the venue and personal gear (aprons, etc).
Pricing & Packages
- Workshop-only (local day participants): ₹9,000 — includes meals only.
- Residential Package: ₹14,000 (includes stay in one of our natural dwellings + meals).
Early Bird Offer: 10% off until 5 Dec 2025.
Add-ons
- Eco-store products at 10% off for participants.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing, closed shoes for outdoor prep.
- Apron (optional), reusable water bottle, notepad.
- Inform us of any dietary needs at booking.
Booking & Deposit
- Deposit: 25% to confirm spot.
- Balance: Due 14 days before start.
- Payment: UPI / Bank Transfer / In-person.
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund (minus deposit) if cancelled more than 30 days before start.
- 50% refund (minus deposit) if cancelled 15–30 days prior.
- No refund within 14 days — transfer to a future batch allowed once.