Ferment

The Life-Changing Power of Microbes

By: Tim Spector

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh, Tim Spector

Brought to you by Penguin.

**AS SEEN ON ITV THIS MORNING**

From the world-leading gut scientist and no. 1 bestselling author of Food for Life, comes an introduction to the life-changing benefits of fermentation

Of all the ways to prepare food, fermenting is surely the most mysterious, miraculous and misunderstood. As Tim Spector shows in this groundbreaking book, the science is now clear that adding fermented foods to our diets brings an astonishing range of benefits for our health.

Drawing on his own cutting-edge research, and including practical tips for buying and making fermented foods, Tim demystifies the world of ferments, and introduces us to some of his favourites – from homemade kombucha and kefir, to sourdough, miso and coffee.

He explores the extraordinary science of fermentation and the transformative role of microbes, in our kitchens and in our guts – and reveals why fermenting is the key to good food and good health.

© Tim Spector 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critic reviews

The master of gut health and intelligent eating, Tim Spector makes the science of fermentation, and the goodness it can bring you, exciting to read about, and the recipes are so tempting and accessible that you’ll want to have a go for sure (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall)

No one knows more about fermenting than Tim Spector - his insights have been life-changing for me (Davina McCall)

I love this book just SO much. Fermentation is the original wellness hack - and Tim reminds us that the best health breakthroughs can begin in a jar. (Liz Earle)

A super healthy and tasty gift for you and your gut microbiome - discover the joy of fermenting with Tim's expert guidance (Dr Clare Bailey Mosley)

Tim Spector [has] done more than anyone to draw public attention to the link between gut health, immunity, ageing and mood

A fascinating overview of the field based on copious new research. It is not just a summary of what has gone before but an exciting glimpse of the future… Spector is an engaging storyteller and his palpable enthusiasm for the microbial world is infectious

A persuasive, meticulously researched book… By the end of the book, I had jars of kombucha and sauerkraut brewing in my pantry

Tim Spector has done more than anyone to popularise the microbiome…Now with Ferment, Spector focuses on foods that can contribute their own cargo of friendly bacteria and yeasts

Spector is an engaging storyteller and his palpable enthusiasm for the microbial world is infectious... There is a quotable fact on every page... A practical handbook and a thorough guide to this still-developing science - one that offers its knowledge as a gateway to further research and further thought.

Ferment is a deep-dive on the super good for you foods… Spector finds ferments so thrilling because you eat your own science… on the research involved is gripping too