Fermenting: meaning, definitions and examples

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fermenting

[ˈfɜː.məntɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

food processing

The process of fermentation involves the conversion of sugars into alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. Fermentation is commonly used in the production of beer, wine, yogurt, and sourdough bread.

Synonyms

brewing, culturing, pickling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fermenting	Fermenting is used in the context of converting carbohydrates to alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms. It is often used in making alcoholic beverages, sauerkraut, and yogurt. The process of fermenting grapes produces wine. She enjoyed fermenting vegetables to make homemade kimchi.
brewing	Brewing specifically refers to the process of making beer or other beverages by steeping, boiling, and fermenting ingredients such as grains or hops. He has a passion for brewing his own beer at home. The local brewery is known for brewing a variety of craft beers.
culturing	Culturing is used in contexts where live bacteria or yeast are grown under controlled conditions. This word is often used in microbiology, dairy production, and making certain food products like cheese and yogurt. She is culturing bacteria in the lab for her research project. Culturing yogurt requires a warm environment to allow the bacteria to grow.
pickling	Pickling is the process of preserving or extending the shelf life of food by either anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. It is often used for vegetables and fruits. He spent the weekend pickling cucumbers from his garden. Pickling onions can add a tangy flavor to salads.

Examples of usage

Fermenting grapes to make wine
Fermenting milk to make yogurt
Fermenting dough to make sourdough bread

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotion

Fermenting can also refer to a state of unrest or agitation, as if brewing emotions inside oneself. It can describe a process of intensifying or developing feelings or thoughts over time.

Synonyms

agitating, brewing, incubating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fermenting	Use this when describing the process of yeast converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide in the making of alcoholic beverages or the biochemical change in food and beverages due to microbial activity. The wine has been fermenting for over a month. Fermenting cabbage leads to the production of sauerkraut.
brewing	This is used when preparing and making beverages like beer or tea, or when something, often trouble or conflict, is developing or about to happen. He enjoys brewing his own beer at home. A storm was brewing on the horizon.
agitating	This word is used to describe causing disturbances or stirring up feelings, situations, or physical materials, often in a negative or unsettling way. The protestors were agitating the crowd. The machine was agitating the mixture continuously.
incubating	Use this word when describing the process of keeping something in a warm, controlled environment to promote growth and development, often used for eggs or bacteria. The researchers are incubating the bacteria at 37°C. The hen is incubating her eggs until they hatch.

Examples of usage

Her anger was fermenting inside her for days
His jealousy began fermenting after seeing her with someone else

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'fermentare,' which means 'to leaven or rise,' linking it to the process of making bread and drinks.
In Old French, the term 'ferment' referred to the act of causing a substance to rise, especially in the context of baking.

Science

Fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration, meaning it occurs without oxygen, often resulting in different byproducts like alcohol or lactic acid.
Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are commonly used in brewing and baking because they can efficiently convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Culinary Arts

Fermenting is essential for creating many popular foods and drinks, such as yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and kombucha, showcasing the importance of microbial activity in tastes and textures.
Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, undergoes fermentation which not only preserves the vegetables but enhances their flavor and health benefits.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have traditional fermented beverages, like sake in Japan and kefir in the Caucasus, reflecting local ingredients and customs.
Fermented foods are often linked to health benefits, and many cultures emphasize their role in gut health and overall well-being.

History

Evidence of fermentation dates back over 7,000 years, with archaeologists discovering remains of fermented beverages in ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.
Historically, fermentation allowed early humans to preserve food and drink, making it crucial for survival during winter months or long journeys.

Translations

Translations of the word "fermenting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fermentação

🇮🇳 किण्वन

🇩🇪 Gärung

🇮🇩 fermentasi

🇺🇦 ферментація

🇵🇱 fermentacja

🇯🇵 発酵 (はっこう)

🇫🇷 fermentation

🇪🇸 fermentación

🇹🇷 fermantasyon

🇰🇷 발효 (발효)

🇸🇦 تخمير

🇨🇿 fermentace

🇸🇰 kvasenie

🇨🇳 发酵 (fājiào)

🇸🇮 fermentacija

🇮🇸 gerjun

🇰🇿 ашыту

🇬🇪 დუღილი (dụɣili)

🇦🇿 mayalanma

🇲🇽 fermentación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,744, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21741 eject
21742 abstruse
21743 dandy
21744 fermenting
21745 dentures
21746 roe
21747 fortieth
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