Question 1

What is fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation is a way that tiny organisms, like yeast and bacteria, turn food into something new. It often makes foods more tasty and helps them last longer without going bad.

Question 2

How does fermentation help make bread?

Accepted Answer

In bread-making, yeast eats sugar and makes tiny bubbles of gas. These bubbles make the bread dough rise and get fluffy.

Question 3

Why does yogurt taste sour?

Accepted Answer

Yogurt tastes sour because friendly bacteria change the milk's sugar into an acid. This acid gives yogurt its tangy flavor.

Question 4

What does yeast do in fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Yeast is like a tiny helper that eats sugars and turns them into gas and alcohol. This helps bread rise and also helps make drinks like beer.

Question 5

Can we see yeast with our eyes?

Accepted Answer

No, yeast is too small to see without a microscope. Even though they're tiny, they’re very powerful in making delicious foods.

Question 6

Why is cheese made with fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation helps turn milk into cheese by using bacteria to change milk proteins into solid bits. These bits are pressed together to make cheese.

Question 7

What happens to fruit during fermentation?

Accepted Answer

During fermentation, fruit can change into yummy things like wine or vinegar. The sugar in the fruit is turned into other things by yeast and bacteria.

Question 8

Is fermentation safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fermentation is safe and people have used it for thousands of years to make food. It helps food last longer and sometimes makes it healthier.

Question 9

Does fermentation always make alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No, not all fermentation makes alcohol. Some, like in yogurt and sourdough bread, make acids instead, giving the food a tangy taste.

Question 10

Why is sauerkraut sour?

Accepted Answer

Sauerkraut is sour because bacteria ferments the cabbage, turning its sugars into lactic acid. This acid gives the sauerkraut its sour taste.

Question 11

Can vegetables be fermented?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vegetables can be fermented to make foods like pickles and kimchi. This process adds flavor and makes the veggies last longer.

Question 12

What is vinegar and how is it made?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar is a sour liquid made from fermenting alcohol. Bacteria turn the alcohol in wine or cider into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sharp taste.

Question 13

Why don't fermented foods spoil easily?

Accepted Answer

Fermented foods don’t spoil easily because the acids (or alcohol) and gases created by fermentation help keep bad bacteria away.

Question 14

Can milk be fermented?

Accepted Answer

Yes, milk can be fermented to make delicious things like yogurt and kefir. The bacteria in milk turn it thick and tangy through fermentation.

Question 15

Do people in different countries eat fermented foods?

Accepted Answer

Yes, people around the world enjoy fermented foods. Every country has its special dishes, like kimchi in Korea and miso in Japan.

Question 16

Does fermentation change the color of food?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes fermentation can change food’s color a little. For example, cabbage turns to a lighter color and may get more transparent when fermented into sauerkraut.

Question 17

What is kombucha?

Accepted Answer

Kombucha is a fizzy drink made from fermented tea. It gets its bubbles because yeast and bacteria change sugar in the tea into gas.

Question 18

Why do we ferment food?

Accepted Answer

We ferment food to make it tastier, to help it last longer, and sometimes to add new, healthy ingredients. Fermentation is like a magical transformation of food!

Question 19

What does fermentation smell like?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation can smell different depending on the food. Sometimes it's a little sour, like vinegar or yogurt, and other times it might smell sweet and tangy, like fruity drinks.

Question 20

Is chocolate made by fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, making chocolate starts with fermenting the cocoa beans. This process helps develop the flavors that make chocolate taste so delicious.

The Science of Fermentation: From Bread to Beverages - 20 FAQs Explained Simply