Essential Food Preserving with Dr. Julia Skinner

What if the key to reducing food waste, strengthening community, and reconnecting with our food systems is already in your kitchen? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Julia Skinner, food writer, fermentation expert, and founder of the Culinary Curiosity School, to explore the practice of food preserving. From fermentation to freezing, Julia shares how preserving is not just a set of techniques but a way of thinking about food with intention and creativity. They discuss her upcoming book, Essential Food Preserving, which takes an ingredient-first approach. Instead of rigid recipes, it asks a simple question: what can you do with what you have right now? That mindset opens the door to everything from fruit leathers and infused vinegars to fermented drinks and pantry staples built from scraps. They also explore the deeper reasons preserving matters. These practices are rooted in food security, seasonality, and survival. Today, they offer a powerful way to reduce waste and reconnect with the sources of our food. Fermentation, in particular, plays an important role in building community. Sharing techniques, recipes, and traditions creates meaningful connections around food. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by preserving, this episode offers an approachable place to begin. Start small, stay curious, and focus on practice rather than perfection. Essential Food Preserving will be released on May 19, 2026, and is available now for pre-orders! Want to learn more? Enter Code “QUAVE” for a 30% discount to a class offered through the Culinary Curiosity School.