Adventures in Fermentation Review

Adventures in Fermentation: From Ancient Origins to Culinary Frontiers, an Exploration of the Microbes That Shape the World We Live In

There’s a special kind of cookbook that doesn’t just teach you how to cook—it makes you want to drop everything, clear your schedule, and start experimenting the moment you turn the page. Adventures in Fermentation by Dr Johnny Drain is exactly that kind of book. It's curious, confident, and contagiously clever—equal parts science, storytelling, and sensory wonder.

From the acclaimed food scientist and fermentation expert Dr Johnny Drain, Adventures in Fermentation is a genre-defying cookbook-meets-scientific-journey that demystifies one of the world’s oldest culinary techniques. Across 320 pages, Jonhny explores how fermentation not only transforms our food but reshapes our health, environment, and culture.

Backed by years of research and practical experience at some of the most innovative kitchens on the planet, including Noma and Mirazur, Jonhny delivers a book that is as much about flavor as it is about philosophy.

‍

‍

From Miso to Microbes

In Adventures in Fermentation each chapter focuses on a specific fermented item or microbial process, interwoven with global stories and clear, well-researched explanations.

Johnny takes us from miso making in Japan to the bubbling vats of Brazilian enzyme syrups, all the while anchoring the reader in why these microbial worlds matter.

The tone? Sharp, witty, and contagiously enthusiastic. Rather than lecture, Johnny chats with you like an old friend, peppering each scientific breakdown with cultural context and candid moments. And although the book brims with information, it never overwhelms. The language is casual, crisp, and accessible—ideal for both fermentation rookies and expert-level enthusiasts.

‍

‍

Designing the Fermenting Mind

While Adventures in Fermentation isn’t overflowing with recipes, the ones it does offer are thoughtfully chosen and brilliantly executed.

From fuzzy koji miso to mango enzyme syrups, each recipe highlights the creative possibilities of fermentation while weaving in vibrant stories that illuminate their cultural roots and functional flair. These aren’t just instructions—they’re micro-narratives, urging readers to explore, question, and personalize the process.

Johnny’s voice throughout is approachable and empowering. The techniques are explained in a way that feels more like mentorship than instruction, always with an underlying invitation to experiment. The focus here isn’t just on how to ferment, but why fermentation matters—scientifically, socially, and sensorially.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts

Adventures in Fermentation is not your typical cookbook. It’s a thought-provoking, culturally rich, and scientifically grounded journey into a hidden but essential dimension of food. Dr Johnny Drain has written something that transcends genres—a work that educates, inspires, and entertains in equal measure.

This book belongs on the shelf of anyone serious about food—whether you’re a chef, home cook, food systems thinker, or just fermentation-curious. You’ll come away with more than just recipes—you’ll gain perspective.