EP95: The Magic of Fermented Foods (& Giant Muleys) ↣ Tim Bray

Having grown up bowhunting the mountains of Nevada, it's clear Tim Bray has never been interested in doing things the easy way. The same can be said for the incredible fermented foods and drinks he creates. In this episode, Tim shares his own fascinating story, along with a bunch of tips and wisdoms he's learned over the past few decades.A huge thank you again to Tim for his time, stories, and skillset today.Give Tim a follow on Facebook –and check out his Ecology Hour show on local radio station KZYXKey Topics:The process of fermenting apples into cider and the importance of apple varietiesHow weather and year-to-year variations influence cider flavor profilesThe role of wild yeast strains and developing cultured yeasts like KvikeTechniques for aging and blending cider for flavorHistorical context of brewing post-Prohibition in AmericaThe science behind lacto-fermentation in vegetables, fruits, and meatsThe cultural and natural history of yeast strains from Norway and LithuaniaHow fermentation preserves flavor and enhances gut health00:00 - Introduction to Tim Bray 02:19 - Workshop setup and fermentation chambers explained05:40 - The true meaning of cider worldwide06:36 - Fermentation as a method of preservation and brewing basics09:19 - Comparing cider and beer brewing processes10:13 - The importance of starting with quality fruit for good cider12:00 - Regional apple varieties and their influence on cider quality13:30 - How acidity, tannins, and sugar balance in cider15:30 - Variations in American cider styles, back-sweetening, and commercial practices17:05 - Developing wild yeast cultures and homebrew brewing history18:23 - Yeast strains like Scrumpy and their unique characteristics19:00 - The aging process and fermentation byproducts20:02 - Impact of weather and apple quality on seasonal cider variations22:07 - Using sulfur dioxide and wild yeast in cider fermentation24:22 - The art of blending different batches for flavor complexity25:37 - How fermentation shapes flavors similar to seasoning in cooking27:09 - Timeline for cider fermentation and aging techniques28:33 - The influence of weather on apple and cider profiles30:34 - Differences in flavor due to apple traits and conditions33:00 - Adjusting process based on experience and weather patterns35:10 - The craft of blending cider types and batches36:04 - The basics of homebrewing beer and how it relates to fermentation37:52 - Prohibition's impact on brewing and the rise of craft beer41:16 - Notable craft brewers from homebrew roots, Sierra Nevada's story44:06 - The innovative Norwegian Kvike yeast strain and its advantages49:25 - Techniques for hunting and the story of a big Nevada buck54:50 - Challenges of tracking and handling game in rugged terrain63:17 - The historic Roxbury Russet apple and cloning techniques66:45 - The significance of orchard diversity and cider apple varieties70:10 - The cultural significance of fermentation in different regions85:30 - The Norwegian Kvike yeast's unique fermentation traits92:32 - The specificity and flavor contributions of different yeast strains98:15 - Benefits of lacto-fermentation for preservation and gut health103:25 - How modern food processing affects natural fermentation and health105:39 - Using fermentation to digest carbohydrates and improve nutrition106:00 - A preview of future demonstrations, including kimchi making