Our Holiday store is open in Pittsburgh! | Seasonal Sodas, Hot Sauce, Kraut & More | Buy yourself something delicious before December 11th >

Community Cultures Website Header Logo



In-Person & Virtual Sessions in 2023

Upcoming Events & Workshops

Fermentation Education Opportunities

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – Ferment The Holidays: Winter-Flavored Sodas

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Ferment The Holidays: Winter-Flavored Sodas
at Velum Fermentation, Pittsburgh, PA

7:00 – 8:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Embrace Bubbly Ferments During this Holiday Season at Velum Fermentation!

Get ready for the holidays with this fun, bubbly, and interactive workshop! Join Trevor, fermentation educator and founder of Community Cultures, to learn about using fermentation to turn fruit, herbs and your favorite winter and holiday ingredients into delicious bubbly beverages. This hands-on class focuses on using tibicos (water kefir) and wild fermentation to create naturally carbonated, low-sugar beverages (under 0.5% alcohol). Trevor will share his fermentation knowledge using informal presentations, demos, tastings and hands-on components. Taste sodas made by Community Cultures, and grab some beer by Velum Fermentation throughout the workshop! Participants will walk away with tibicos cultures and soda to ferment at home.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – Fermenting Hot Sauce & Fresh Salsa

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Fermenting Hot Sauce & Fresh Salsa
at Workshop PGH, Pittsburgh, PA

6:30 – 9:00pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Join this workshop to learn about the art of preserving hot peppers and garden veggies to make delicious hot sauce and fresh salsa! Participants will be guided through different techniques for creating delicious fermented products and will gain the confidence to create vibrant and spicy fermented products. Walk away with a jar of fermented hot peppers and a jar of fermented ingredients to turn into pico de gallo at home.

Saturday, December 9, 2023 – Who’s Your Mother? Kombucha, Water Kefir & Soda

East End Food Coop

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Who’s Your Mother? Kombucha, Water Kefir & Soda
at East End Food Co-op, Pittsburgh, PA

2:00 – 4:00pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Do you drink many bottles of kombucha a week? Interested in making kombucha or soda on your own? If you answered yes to either of these, this workshop is for you! Learn about the world of fermentation through kombucha mothers, water kefir cultures, and wild fermented soda. Participants will walk away with the info and resources to make these products at home, as well as a jar of soda to ferment!

……

Trevor Ring is the founder of Community Cultures. He has taught for over eight years, worked for numerous businesses, and runs various fermentation CSAs. He is most excited about sharing his knowledge of fermentation and utilizing seasonal and regional ingredients to inspire his ferments.

We value the lessons that can be learned by reconnecting with how our ancestors preserved food. We believe that microbes have so much to teach us, and that opening our minds to their transformation of food can teach humility, patience, and appreciation. We value the nature of food in bringing people together, and that by embracing fermentation as a community we can therefore transform and ferment ourselves and the greater food system.

Join us at the East End Food Co-op with a partnership with Community Cultures Fermentation Education.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – Ferment The Holidays: Vegetables! (VIRTUAL)

Site icon for Community Cultures cropped

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Ferment The Holidays: Vegetables!
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP!

7:00 – 9:00pm EST, ONLINE EVENT

Join Instructor Trevor Ring for a special virtual, holiday workshop wherever you are, and learn how to ferment veggies for your holidays this year.

Saturday, December 16, 2023 – Fermented Foods for Your Health

East End Food Coop

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Fermented Foods For Your Health
at East End Food Co-op, Pittsburgh, PA

2:00 – 3:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Join us for an exciting event all about the wonders of fermented food! Discover the incredible health benefits and delicious flavors of fermented foods in this interactive and informative gathering.

At Community Cultures, we are interested in introducing fermented foods to your diet and lifestyle but not sure where to start? Have you heard about the benefits of fermented foods and probiotics? This lecture-based workshop covers some of the reasons why fermented foods can be beneficial for your health. Learn about the gut-brain connection, what science can tell us about fermented foods, and about 10 different fermented foods.

Discover the science behind fermentation and how it positively impacts your digestion and overall well-being. Hear inspiring stories from individuals who have experienced improved gut health and increased vitality through incorporating fermented foods into their diet.

Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for fermentation. Swap recipes, share experiences, and make new friends in our vibrant community. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the world of fermented foods and their amazing health benefits. Reserve your spot now and get ready to embark on a journey of taste, health, and community!

Monday, December 18, 2023 – Making Miso: A Hands-On Fermentation Workshop

Two Frays Brewery

Monday, December 18, 2023

Making Miso: A Hands-On Fermentation Workshop
at Two Frays Brewery, Pittsburgh, PA

6:30 – 9:00pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Join Trevor Ring, fermentation educator and founder of Community Cultures, for an informative and interactive fermentation workshop where we will dive into the art of making miso. Explore the techniques behind this traditional Japanese staple, right inside the cozy Two Frays Brewery.

This workshop will incorporate a presentation, demo, tasting and hands-on activity. We will explore the historical, cultural and nutritional significance of koji (a molded grain used as the foundation for numerous Japanese products) and miso. You will then learn about the traditional techniques used to make miso. From selecting ingredients to mastering the fermentation timeline, you’ll gain valuable insights that will empower you to make your very own homemade miso with creativity and confidence.

Whether you’re a seasoned fermenter or a complete beginner, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Roll up your sleeves, mash an assortment of ingredients with your hands, and walk away with a jar that will turn into umami deliciousness through fermentation. To top it off, you can experience this specific fermented product while consuming the delicious beer made by Two Frays Brewery. Each ticket comes with 1 beer. Reserve your spot now!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 – Ferment The Holidays: Wild Fermented Cider, Country Wine & Vinegar

Two Frays Brewery

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Ferment The Holidays: Wild Fermented Cider, Country Wine & Vinegar
at Velum Fermentation, Pittsburgh, PA

7:00 – 9:00pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Learn to Make Simple & Fun Fermented Products During this Holiday Season at Velum Fermentation!

Start your Pittsburgh winter with a fun, interactive workshop on home-scale alcohol and vinegar production. Join Trevor, fermentation educator and founder of Community Cultures, to learn about using cider, fruit, and other ingredients to create alcohol and vinegar.

This introductory workshop is geared towards folks interested in making cider, country wine and/or vinegar for the first time (or boosting the confidence of beginner fermenters). We will specifically focus on wild fermentation (utlizing the present yeast and bacteria on your ingredients) and the most basic way of producing alcohol and vinegar at home. Participants will learn how to make alcohol without any special equipment, and understand what basic materials can help ensure flavorful and consistent end results.

Trevor will share his fermentation knowledge using informal presentations, demos, tastings and hands-on components. Participants will taste wild fermented ciders made within Western PA and walk away with a container of fruit vinegar to ferment at home.

Currently scheduling in-person and online events for 2024.

Please reach out if you would like to host a public fermentation workshop.

OR

Schedule a private workshop, event or consultation with us.

Info@CommunityCultures.com

Past Workshops

October 9 – November 6, 2023: Stanford University Continuing Studies 5-week course

Standford University logo

October 9 - November 6, 2023

Stanford Continuing Education 5-Week Course
Mondays 10:00 – 11:50pm EST, VIRTUAL EVENT

From Kombucha to Kimchi: A Hands-On Journey into the World of Fermentation

Through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and lectures, you will learn the fundamentals of fermentation and master specific techniques for creating mouthwatering delights such as kombucha, wild-fermented soda, kimchi, lacto-fermented kosher dill pickles, and shio koji marinade. In addition to practical instruction, the course will also offer an examination of the cultural significance of fermented foods and explore how fermentation can contribute to reducing food waste and building sustainable food systems. By the end of the course, you will be capable of crafting various delicious fermented products and understanding how to incorporate them into a nutritious daily diet.

This course includes optional making and tasting of fermented foods. Students can expect to spend $50-$100 on ingredients, materials, and products. 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – Ferment Your Veggies

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Ferment Your Veggies
at Velum Fermentation, Pittsburgh, PA

6:30 – 8:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT
Join Trevor, founder of Community Cultures, to dive into the world of fermented veggies. Autumn’s vegetable harvest is the perfect time of year to master your vegetable fermentation process! In this workshop you’ll make sauerkraut to bring home, and learn how to reduce kitchen waste and ferment almost any type of fermented vegetable! Participants will learn how to use dry salt and salt brine methods to preserve an array of ingredients. No special equipment is required for this workshop; walk away with a quart of kraut and the confidence to continue your fermentation journey at home!

Sunday, November 12, 2023 – Ferment The Harvest

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Ferment The Harvest
at Borland Green, Pittsburgh, PA

1:00 – 4:00pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT
Gather around the garden at Borland Green to ferment autumn’s harvest! This is a great event for beginners and experienced fermenters alike; essentially a fermenting open house–come and leave whenever you’d like!

We’ll have two 30-minute demos you can choose to attend, as well as someone on-hand to provide guidance throughout the 3-hour event. See our schedule below:

1 – 4PM: Kraut-making, wild soda making, ferment share, mingle & sip soda/hot cider

1:30 – 2 PM: lacto-fermented veggies demo

2:30 – 3PM: wild fermented soda demo

A limited selection of produce will be available (mostly cabbage and apples will be offered), but you can bring any fruit, veg, spices or material from home to ferment! Feel free to bring that fermented product you’ve been putting off to make in our communal space! Attendees will have access to quart-size containers, salt, and sugar.

Taste, share and commune! And bring products for our Ferment ‘Swap & Share’ Table!

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – Embrace Your Mother: A Kombucha Workshop

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Embrace Your Mother: A Kombucha Workshop
at Velum Fermentation, Pittsburgh, PA

7:00 – 8:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT
Join Trevor, founder of Community Cultures, to enter the fascinating world of kombucha in this lecture and demo-based fermentation workshop. Learn about the history, potential health benefits, and fermentation process of this tasty beverage. Participants will walk away with the confidence to make kombucha at home, a mother (aka SCOBY) to start your first batch, and an understanding of how to use creativity in your products.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – Intro to Fermented (Holiday) Veggies

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Intro to Fermented Veggies: Fun Flavors for Holiday Favors
at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens

5:30 – 7:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT
It’s that time of year to preserve the harvest and ferment vegetables to share around the holidays! This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the world of fermentation through sauerkraut and salt brines. Join us as Trevor Ring, from Community Cultures, examines the cultural, historical and nutritional significance of bacteria in food preservation. Participants will walk away with a jar of sauerkraut and salt-brined vegetables to ferment at home and share with family and friends during the holiday season.

Saturday, November 18, 2023 – Fall Vegetable Ferment

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Fall Vegetable Ferment
at Grow Pittsburgh

10:30am – 12:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT
The harvest season is near and it’s the perfect time to learn how to ferment autumn’s vegetables! Join Trevor Ring, founder of Community Cultures, in this introductory fermentation workshop to learn about the power of using microbes to harness creativity and flavor. The focus of this workshop will be on sauerkraut and brined vegetables–participants will walk away with 2 jars to ferment at home.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Sauerkraut & Salt Brines

Workshop Studios logo (Pittsburgh, PA)

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Sauerkraut & Salt Brines
at Workshop PGH, Pittsburgh, PA

12:00 – 2:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

October is a great month to perfect your sauerkraut and fermented vegetables: think pierogies and cold season holidays! Learn how to ferment the fall vegetable harvest in this introductory fermentation class with Trevor, founder of Community Cultures. Participants will learn how to safely and confidently ferment an assortment of vegetables at home while harnessing creativity and reducing food waste. Leave with a jar of sauerkraut and a jar of brined fall vegetables to ferment at home. Veggies and all supplies are included, but feel free bring a vegetable you like from your garden if you would like.

Sunday, October 8, 2023 – Fermenting Food Waste: Wild Sodas, Wine & Vinegar

Garfield Community Farm image

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Fermenting Food Waste: Wild Sodas, Wine & Vinegar
at Garfield Community Farm, Pittsburgh, PA

2:00 – 4:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Join Trevor, founder of Community Cultures, in the first of a two-part Fermenting Food Waste series. October is the perfect month to use fermentation to upcycle the season’s harvest. In this workshop you’ll learn how to use edible (and inedible!) food scraps to create delicious sodas, country wine, and vinegar. Participants will learn how to simple practices to harness flavor with confidence and creativity. No special equipment is required for this workshop; walk away with containers to ferment soda and vinegar at home!

Thursday, October 12, 2023 – Fermentation Series: Intro to Koji

The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination logo

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Fermentation Series: Intro to Koji
at The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, Pittsburgh, PA

6:30 – 8:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Koji is a molded grain and the foundation of miso, sake, rice wine vinegar and other fermented products. This fermented product has the potential to unlock incredible flavor and harness creativity in the kitchen. In this lecture and demo-based workshop participants will be introduced to the importance of koji in cuisine and preservation, learn how to grow it at home, and understand what products it can be turned into. Participants will be guided through the ins and outs of home-scale koji production and participate in a hands-on activity to bring a koji-based ferment home. Participants will also have the opportunity to bring a small amount of koji spores to produce koji at home. Join the world of umami enthusiasm and safe mold-based fermentation!

Sunday, October 15, 2023 – Fermenting Food Waste: Kraut & Pickles

Garfield Community Farm image

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Fermenting Food Waste: Kraut & Pickles
at Garfield Community Farm, Pittsburgh, PA

2:00 – 4:30pm EST, IN-PERSON EVENT

Join Trevor, founder of Community Cultures, in the second workshop of a two-part Fermenting Food Waste series. Autumn’s vegetable harvest is the perfect time of year to master your vegetable fermentation process! In this workshop you’ll learn how to use veggie scraps to create delicious and creative fermented veggies. Participants will learn how to use dry salt and salt brine methods to preserve an array of ingredients. No special equipment is required for this workshop; walk away with containers of veggies to ferment at home!