Meet your
Maker
My name is Beki Auclair, and I am a self-appointed fermentation fanatic. My love for all things fermented grew out of many years working as a massage therapist which grew out of years working as a baker and mental health worker. What seems like a winding path feels pretty direct to me. In addition to loving being up to my shoulders (literally) in sauerkraut or having my head in a ceramic crock, I have a loving family, am a lifetime horse and dog lover, volunteer regularly in our community and church, and love to walk, jog, run or shuffle through the woods as often as possible. Thank you for honoring me with your interest in my latest adventure.
Fermentation. What?
The quick and clean of fermentation is that beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, work in concert with salt and carbohydrates to acidify foods and drinks, rendering them more stable, digestible and nutritious. What else? Fermented foods are DE-LI-CIOUS, and if that's not enough, they are powerfully good for us. Once thought of as primarily digestive aids, probiotics are now known to have anti-inflammatory effects, to support brain and heart health, and to be essential to effective immunity.
It's all in the Love
No one can ferment on their own. What I mean by this is, even if I grew everything, went to the ocean to harvest the salt, and did all the work by myself, fermentation is a process of community and cooperation. The beneficial bacteria live on the plants, in the air, on our skin, and though I schlep, chop, mix, pound and wash up, they are the real heroes in the process. Without their heavy lifting, those crocks of shredded happiness and salt would just turn to nasty mush. At VFA, we depend on great area farms, their workers and their healthy soils. I work in concert with local retailers, their staff and their patrons. My family and friends help out in the kitchen and keep me company as I dream the fermentation dream. It really is all about the love. Love keeps me going when the crops come in and the work feels endless. It keeps the relationships with farmers, vendors and supporters strong and respectful. Love really is the secret sauce in each jar we at VFA put out in the world. I hope you feel it too.
