Local Woman Offers Fermentation Workshop in Bridgehampton

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A local woman has turned her journey toward embracing fermentation and healthy eating into a flourishing business, Hamptons Brine.

And now she's aiming to share her knowledge through an event, "Let's Make Some Kraut! Fermentation Workshop," which will be held Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. at the Hayground School, located at 151 Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton.

"In this workshop we will discuss the origins of fermentation, its role through history, and the importance and health benefits of eating probiotic-rich fermented foods. Participants will also learn fool-proof techniques for fermenting vegetables and make a jar of their own kraut to take home," Ernestus said.

Vegetables, salt, jars and all utensils are provided. "There will be lots of goodies to taste," she said.

Admission costs $50. Advance registration is essential. Click here to register.

Hamptons Brine is small company, focusing on the creation of raw fermented sauerkraut and kvass, or sauerkraut juice, Ernestus said.

"It is made the old-fashioned way, no corner is cut," she said. "We cut by hand, the kraut ferments for at least 28 days, versus a week for most other brands. We cold-pack by hand, never heat process. It is as good and as biologically active as you can possibly get," Ernestus said.

She added that she decided not to start mass-producing and selling in chain stores because she believes she would not be able to deliver the same quality. So Ernestus sells online, direct-to-consumer, at retail.

"That makes it possible for me stay afloat. I am not going for world domination and will not make millions. But it's okay," she said.

Ernestus describes how the idea for her own business was born: "I was giving workshops on fermentation and everybody was telling me that I should be making the kraut. And I was telling them, 'You should be making the kraut yourselves, I just showed you how'. But them Provisions called me and told me that they heard I made good kraut and if I packaged it, they would like to carry it."

The fermentation process includes mixing the vegetables with salt solution, brine," Ernestus said. Salt kills some "bad," pathogenic bacteria, she said. "The good bacteria then start digesting the sugars in the vegetables and releasing lactic acid, that makes it progressively more sour. The pH of fully-fermented kraut is around 3.1 — very low, very acidic, so the only bacteria that can live in it are good probiotic bacteria. The acidity kills all the bad guys. That's why they used fermentation to preserve food, just like vinegar. Only much better because alive and teeming with all sorts of microorganisms."

Health benefits are myriad, she said. Fermentation, Ernestus explains, "helps with all kinds of digestive disorders: constipation, gas and bloating, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome. It helps incredibly well, and fast, with acid reflux."

In addition, she said, it boosts the immune system. "You stop catching colds." And, she said, fermentation aids in lowering LDL cholesterol and in stabilizing blood sugar, enables the body to absorb and utilize vitamins and minerals in other foods individuals eat. "It has electrolytes, so it keeps you hydrated and prevents cramps from running and other sports."

The most fulfilling part of her journey, Ernestus said, is seeing how many have begun to enjoy feeling better after embracing her products. "I get emails from people who had terrible digestive problems, saying, 'You saved my life'. People who were in pain are now pain-free. Also, when the doctors find my products online and start recommending to their patients," she said.

And as a woman who's started her own business with a dream and determination, Ernestus said the experience has been life-altering.

"It feels fantastic," she said. "So many women tell me how they love the idea that a woman can reinvent herself and start a completely new thing pretty late in life. Also, the amount of support I received from just about everyone is amazing. Starting with the Stony Brook Business Incubator at Calverton — they helped me so much with all the aspects of setting up a business, and then with getting my products certified organic. The NOFA-NY, the organic certifier — are so helpful. They really want you to get your products certified, you get a lot of support. And the community, how everyone supported me, and bought my products. Local stores and farm stands — so many carry Hamptons Brine. It is very gratifying."

To others hoping to kickstart a small business and follow their passion, she said, "Follow your dreams."

Hamptons Brine is available locally in stores including Provisions, Simply Sublime, Green Earth in Riverhead, and others, with more to come this summer, at farmers markets, on Amazon, and on the Hamptons Brine website.

Photo courtesy of Nadia Ernestus.