Ferment Cookbook Review

Ferment: Simple ferments and pickles, and how to eat them

In this week’s cookbook review, we take a closer look at Ferment cookbook, where fermentation comes alive through flavorful, inventive, and accessible techniques.

Ferment, from Kenji Morimoto, feels like a warm invitation into the world of fermentation—bright, unpretentious, and bursting with joy. It strips away the mystery that often surrounds the subject and shows how easily these age-old methods can fit into everyday cooking.

With its approachable tone and fresh ideas, the book feels just as inspiring for beginners as it does for seasoned fermenters looking to expand their repertoire.

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A Journey into Fermentation Flavors

From the moment you open Ferment cookbook, you’re greeted by a clean, welcoming design that mirrors its approach—the art of fermenting is simple, friendly, and full of intention. Kenji’s writing feels like a helpful friend standing beside you in the kitchen, encouraging you to explore without fear.

The book is structured in two parts: first, clear instruction on how to make your own ferments—including lacto-fermentation, kimchi, miso, kombucha, pickles, and cheong—with step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting help.

Then, a vibrant second section unfolds, showing how to cook with those ferments in everything from starters and mains to desserts and cocktails.

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The Recipes

The recipes are inventive and surprising. Think: Ten Minute Miso Peanut Butter Kimchi Noodles, One-Pot Citrus Miso Salmon with Edamame Rice, Kombucha Sorbet, and Preserved Rhubarb Pound Cake—each dish blends fermentation with flair.

Kenji presents familiar fermented staples—kimchi, miso, quick pickles—but also unusual twists like Pumpkin Miso, Watermelon Rind Kimchi, and Koji Chimichurri. These are not gimmicks, but fresh, globally inspired ideas that feel natural and exciting to the home cook.

Whether preparing your own ferments or reaching for store-bought ones, the recipes are designed to elevate everyday meals with bold, gut-healthy flavor without fuss.

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The Heart of Ferment

Kenji’s voice throughout the book is warm, grounded, and inclusive—steering away from intimidating technique-heavy manuals. Instead, his writing emanates a generous spirit that matches his third-culture background, blending heritage with experimentation in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally welcoming.

He respects tradition, encourages innovation, and demystifies fermentation—inviting us to “make fermenting as instinctive as reaching for salt.”

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Final Thoughts

Ferment is a compelling and practical guide that balances tradition with creativity. It’s both a learning resource and a cookbook you’ll return to again and again.

In fact, this is one of our favorite fermentation books ever, not only for its recipes but also for the way it inspires confidence and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to fermentation or rekindling an old passion, this book will embolden you to ferment confidently and cook boldly.