Fermentation Farm: Changing Lives & Guts

No, Fermentation Farm isn’t an actual farm, but rather a fermentation epicenter providing the OC community with all things fermented, aka: kombucha, zingy yogurt, kimchi, kraut -- you name it, they’ve got it... plus more.  

It all started when Dr. Jasmine Mason, who ran a chiropractor practice with her husband, noticed a trend amongst their patients complaining of digestive issues. Dr. Jasmine grew up on a pig farm in rural Nevada, and learned from her father how food affects overall health as well as how to raise animals and plants organically, without the use of antibiotics, medication, herbicides, or pesticides.

“It was amazing how these products were helping my patients with their digestive issues -- so I started making more and more of them. My kitchen was basically overrun by various fermenting things,” laughs Dr. Jasmine. “I hardly had room to make dinner for my family because I had vegetables and yogurt and kombucha everywhere!” 

Coming from the deeply ingrained belief that eating right can truly help people, she realized the need for this sort of education in the community and opened Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa in 2014. 

“It’s so satisfying and gratifying to help people,” shares the doctor. “That's just the thread of my being.”

Dr. Jasmine explains the whole idea behind consuming fermented foods is to balance out the digestive tract so that it can digest food properly, which then leads to a healthier gut, and ultimately a healthier immune system.

Fermentation Farm believes in sustainability and uses reusable glass for most of their products. A one-time membership fee of $25 provides access to tons of classes every month, including those on how to make your own kombucha, sourdough bread, bone broth, zingy yogurt, and, of course, fermented vegetables. Oh, and when you visit the farm they let you taste test everything, so make sure to go hungry!

Mari Verdugo a fourth generation Laguna Beach native, writer, and photographer who is a huge zingy yogurt fan. Find her at @marielenaphoto or on her website.

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