Cultured

How Ancient Foods Can Feed Our Microbiome

By: Katherine Harmon Courage

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

A revealing look at the 300 trillion microorganisms that keep us healthy - and the foods they need to thrive

These days, probiotic yogurt and other "gut-friendly" foods line supermarket shelves. But what's the best way to feed our all-important microbiome - and what is a microbiome, anyway? 

In this engaging and eye-opening book, science journalist Katherine Harmon Courage investigates these questions, presenting a deep dive into the ancient food traditions and the latest research for maintaining a healthy gut. Topics include:

• Meet your microbiome: What it is, how it works, and why it's essential for our immune system - and overall health 
• Gut-friendly food traditions: A guided tour of artisanal makers of yogurt, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, olives, cocoa, and other vibrant, ancient foods from around the world that feed our microbiome (along with simple recipes for curious at-home cooks) 
• Cutting-edge science: A first-hand look at some of the top lab facilities where microbiologists are working to better understand the human gut and how to feed it for good health 

Equal parts science explainer, culinary investigation, and global roadmap for healthy eating, Cultured offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in making smart food choices in our not-so-gut-friendly modern world. 

Includes a bonus PDF of recipes. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2019 Katherine Harmon Courage (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

“Deeply researched but conversational and even funny, Cultured is the guide we need to make sense of the hope and hype of microbiome science and what it means for our everyday lives.” (Maryn McKenna, author of Big Chicken, Superbug, and Beating Back the Devil)

“This enthralling book sounds the clarion call to end the senseless onslaught of warfare waged against our microbial symbionts. It is time to embrace the world within us and feed the ferment that keeps us happy and healthy.” (Ken Albala, Professor of History University of the Pacific)

“From Greenland to Greece, Courage explores the ancient gut-friendly foods that have become integral parts of many food cultures, and offers suggestions on how to diversify the kinds of foods we feed our microbiome.” (NPR)

Absolutely Fascinating!

I came across an article on Medium written by the author and decided to give the book a listen. I now have a much better understanding of what’s going on when I’m making Beer, kombucha, and sauerkraut at home.

This is also the first time I’ve heard a good explanation as to why fiber is so important in ones diet. The author notes new and relevant research and also provides historical perspectives and processes for making fermented foods.

Absolutely worth a audible credit!

Great exploration of fermented foods

The narrator is one of the best!

So many good for out there I didn't know about, exited to try them or make.

I was a little irritated with the generalizations made about meet fats based on mice studies, should have stayed off that topic as it was unfair and hardly informative enough to draw conclusions.

A well written, well performed audiobook!

This is an author of great talent. She writes with fluidity, clarity and more than a dash of wry humor. The reading is equally artful and energetic. A treat for the ears, the curious mind, and your gut.

Feed your body and love the culture of history

Such an interesting book that outlines the probiotic benefits of a healthful fermented diet. Even more thought provoking is the history of fermented foods and how we have evolved right along with the microbes!

entertaining and informative but ....

I found this to be a very enjoyable book. There are a lot of good facts to be learned here. However, I found that the author indulges in leaps of logic that there is little evidence to support within this book. So please, take the conclusions drawn within with a grain of salt - or two ounces of kimchee if you prefer.

More vegan propaganda. Skip it.

Sadly this book starts off ok but turns into a low fat, less meat, pro vegan book. Wrong and worthless.