“The retreat brings people together, builds community in the forest, gets participants outside and off their screens, and uses nature sustainably to heal and inspire minds and souls,” stated Great Mountain Forest Executive Director Michael Zafros. Retreat registration closes on July 30.
The program reaches underserved populations throughout western Massachusetts that don’t have access to healthy foods, including families, seniors and children.
Over 50 local cultured vendors are slated for this year, including many new ones such as NYrture Food talking about natto (fermented soybeans) and Maple Valley Creamery making special batches of cultured ice creams for the fest (including pickle ice cream!).
Maddie Elling and Abe Hunrichs of Hosta Hill were intrigued with recipes from Sandor Katz’s "Wild Fermentation," and excited by the opportunity to dig up ancient traditions and experiment with them in the 21st century.
This revival of interest in fermentation is not unique to the Berkshires. Fermentation workshops and festivals are happening all over the country, from Boston to Oregon.
Unlike many farmers, the couple does not have an off season because they produce their products all year long, selling at winter farmers markets and wholesale. As Elling says, “Buying our products is not just for consumption — it’s an investment in local agriculture and business.”
