Beer, Bread, Cheese — and Penicillin

Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson · Aug 27, 2026 · 41m

When we talk about the microbiome, people think about the colon and trillions of microorganisms. Have you ever considered that humans have other interactions with microbiomes that occur with our cooking? On this week’s episode of FORK U, we continue with our series “Food That Made Civilization.” The topic is Fermentation.

How Fermentation Built Civilization

We were selecting a microbiome without knowing it. Bacteria, yeast, and molds. Feed the ones that worked, keep the conditions they liked, and do it again.

Your grandmother may have kept the bowl that made better bread. She saved some of…