Local Cracker Book Review: “The Wildcrafting Brewer” by: Pascal Baudar

Anyone who is familiar with our farming life and ventures knows that we are fermentation enthusiasts. I have read atleast 10+ books on this little written of subject over the years not to mention the happenstance information found in old cookbooks and cultural cookbooks I read from time to time. I continue my search and reading every opportunity. Applying methods I have read about in concert with my own experimentation has given me quite an arsenal of usable data. That being said, I was very pleased with the book “The Wildcrafting Brewer: Creating Unique Drinks and Boozy Concoctions from Nature’s Ingredients” by: Pascal Baudar.

Some of the most helpful aspects of this book had to do with his continuous reminders that WILD fermentation can be done with those things found right in your locale. It doesn’t have to be something difficult, it doesn’t have to use lots of fancy equipment. This book is GREAT to remind beginner and expert alike that we don’t have to overcomplicate fermentation. Fermentation should be a celebration of nature that we see all around us. Our ancestors probably used that which was easiest for them to procure seasonally and we can too.

Another portion of this work describes how easy it is to make yeast cultures from many different items. It discusses varieties of sugars to use, using wild yeast cultures that you’ve created and using commercial cultures. It is the type of book that inspires and calms the inner foodie in you.

Not only did “The Wildcrafting Brewer” inspire my foodie/fermenter aspirations but, it also inspired me to learn more about the local flora all around me. I have since checked out numerous books that discuss edible plants near me and I personally can’t wait to get started on a new beer!

Some of the items Baudar discusses using include wild harvested mushrooms, pinecones, pine needles, flowers, berries, herbs and more. In fact, with some of our own turmeric and sweet potatoes I have begun a bug that I believe I will do some heavy experimentation with, and I can’t wait to try the results! So, if you’re like me, and you love to try new things and be inspired, I suggest you read this wonderfully inspiring book. Also, there’s LOTS of recipes for things like small beers, wines, sodas and more!