Make mead like a Viking

with Jereme Zimmerman

What is mead and why should you make it? (And why should you make it like a Viking, of all things?!) Jereme Zimmerman, the author of “Make mead like a Viking,” explains all of the above in this light-hearted episode. Mead is a unique honey-based fermented drink that is simple and fun to make. Jereme unlocks the brewing secrets of the ancient Norse, as he demystifies the process of home-brewing mead. You’ll learn lots about mead today and you’ll hear Jeremy’s own story about he got into brewing it, and how he began to embrace the natural, homesteading lifestyle.

In the conversation, Jereme makes a case for including more ferments in our diets. There are health benefits related to making your own ferments, of course (whether you’re making mead, kombucha, sauerkraut, or kefir). The active enzymes and probiotics in such foods are great for gut health; the antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents; and our immune systems benefit from all of the above. But our lives are enhanced by more than just the physical boost of these foods. Making mead (and other fermented foods) requires cooperation with nature, which makes us more sensitive to life’s beauty and mystery. And in the process of mead-making, bonds are built with the community around us. So, get to making your fermented drink and raise a glass to your health!

Notes

Jereme Zimmerman is a homesteader and the author of “Make mead like a Viking.” In today’s episode he unlocks the brewing secrets of the ancient Norse and explains how home-brewing mead can be not only simple, but fun. You’ll learn lots about this unique fermented drink and Jeremy’s own story about he got into this natural, homesteading lifestyle.

There are health benefits related to making your ferments, of course. The active enzymes and probiotics in the food are great for gut health. Antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents. And our immune system gets boosts from all of the above. But there is more still. Making mead (and other fermented foods) requires cooperating with nature, and adds a sense of beauty and mystery and community to our lives.

In today’s episode, Jereme touches on:

the definition of mead (basically a fermented drink made of honey and spring water)
describes how simple it is to ferment
what made him a homesteader, fermentation enthusiast, and self-described “Appalachian Yeti Viking”
his childhood on a goat farm in Kentucky
when he first learned about mead
how he discovered Norse mythology and learned the story of how mead went from their gods to people
discusses the importance of raw/real honey as the starting point for mead (it is a natural antibiotic, & has healing properties)
explains the fermentation process and how it magnifies the properties of the honey
how you can toy with the recipe by aging mead and adding spices
how it can be made in 30 days to take to holiday parties – spiced mead
the alcohol content of mead
why he considers himself a “modern homesteader”
how he noticed improved digestion upon including more fermented foods in his diet
why homemade is better than store-bought even if it’s labeled “probiotic-rich”’
how to avoid mistakes when making mead
why “wild yeast” is your friend
how to transfer mead to the right environment so it doesn’t turn into vinegar
how part of the fun of fermenting is the lifestyle you become a part of
the purpose of an air lock (keeping outside air out and letting the CO2 escape to avoid explosions)
what baby steps he recommends to begin fermenting