The Fermentation Station The Fermentation Station is an education space and a hub for businesses crafting fermented foods, anchored by a successful sauerkraut business. The Fermentation Station embraces connections between humans, the land, and the microbes that allow both to thrive. Our business nourishes human health, supports the local food system, and provides opportunities for other food entrepreneurs.
How does it work?
The Fermentation Station (FS) will be rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Modeled after the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, it will consist of an anchor business (the OlyKraut sauerkraut company) that shares a processing and retail space with partner businesses of which the anchor business is a co-owner.
Why Fermentation?
It’s all about the good microbes! Just as microorganisms in the soil keep it healthy and fertile, more and more evidence is mounting that the bacteria in our bodies are critical to our well being. Fermented foods, especially raw ones, help us keep the microbial balance we need to stay healthy – plus, they’re delicious! With all of the scientific discoveries related to the importance of bacteria in the human body, and the increasing interest in fermentation, our business anticipates future high demand for sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, miso,
Why a hub?
The Fermentation Station is not just about keeping people healthy, but also keeping our food system healthy. By bringing multiple businesses together, we will be able to coordinate purchasing of local produce and help grow the supply of available ingredients from area farmers. Connecting the businesses will also allow us to share equipment, resources, and expertise. Being part of a collective brand will also give aspiring fermented food entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow their businesses and bring to market fermented foods that might be less familiar to the American palate. Finally, the hub will be a destination, complete with tours, an educational space for teaching consumers about fermented foods, and
How will we build it?
What can I do?
The Fermentation Station will take form during the next five years as an extension of OlyKraut, an existing Olympia-based sauerkraut business with a strong following. Over the next few years, we will work to increase OlyKraut’s distribution and grow the company as a whole. At the same time, OlyKraut will begin a side business based on minimally processing local produce. This business will take advantage of OlyKraut’s existing processing equipment and help further the mission of growing the local produce supply. With capital from OlyKraut, we will expand to a bigger space where we can Want to be a friend of the microbes? Educate yourself! Start with the article “Some of My Best Friends are Germs” by Michael Pollan. Then, get out there a try a new fermented food! (Hint: Sauerkraut is the gateway ferment). Let us know what you like!
google trendline showing interest overtime in FERMENTED FOODS