What Is Fermentation and How Does It Work? | Successful Fermentation Tips | Esco Lifesciences

What is Fermentation? Fermentation is the metabolic process where microorganisms consume carbohydrates like glucose or starch to produce alcohol or acid. It was initially developed to stabilize and preserve perishable food but is now also used to further improve the nutritional and functional traits of certain foods. Examples of fermented foods are: • Cheese • Beer and Wine • Kimchi What are the two main types of fermentation? Alcoholic fermentation, also called ethanol fermentation, is a type of fermentation in which the products are ethanol and carbon dioxide. It is performed by yeast species specifically Saccharomyces for the production of alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine, as well as foods such as bread. Lactic acid fermentation breaks down sugars, producing energy in the form of ATP. This process is so named because lactic acid is a byproduct of this reaction. A typical example of lactic acid fermentation is making yogurt by the bacteria, Lactobacillus. What