So I've been advocating on behalf of the "Magic Bag Theory" (I know, it's actually a hypothesis) that contends that fermentation could have been discovered by folks putting honey into a partially water-filled skin, with an ensuing fermentation occuring. There has long been a scenario posited in which a paleolithiic or neolithich human comes across a tree in which rainwater has flooded a bee hive (with resulting fermentation), and discovers the elixir that way.
Well, at the Meadfest, Dr. Garth Cambray of Makana Meadery of Grahamstown, South Afrika backs up the latter option with some first hand experience. Apparently the necessary sequence of events happens regularly in the Baobob tree, and he recounted stories of local guides getting VERY excited at having found such a tree, and having pretty much put expeditions on hold until the tree's treasure was exhausted. Beyond that, he provided microscopic views of the yeast responsible for that fermentation. Great stuff.
He also presented on a fascinating continuous fermentation process he has pioneered which captivated me with its ingeniousness and efficiency.
He's a remarkable guy, and I'm sure we'll be hearng a lot more about Dr. Garth Cambray.
Ken
Well, at the Meadfest, Dr. Garth Cambray of Makana Meadery of Grahamstown, South Afrika backs up the latter option with some first hand experience. Apparently the necessary sequence of events happens regularly in the Baobob tree, and he recounted stories of local guides getting VERY excited at having found such a tree, and having pretty much put expeditions on hold until the tree's treasure was exhausted. Beyond that, he provided microscopic views of the yeast responsible for that fermentation. Great stuff.
He also presented on a fascinating continuous fermentation process he has pioneered which captivated me with its ingeniousness and efficiency.
He's a remarkable guy, and I'm sure we'll be hearng a lot more about Dr. Garth Cambray.
Ken
