Across the country, small producers are rediscovering the ancient art of fermentation, with delicious results. Tom Howells samples British-made kefir, kombucha, kraut and more

Johnny Drain Adventures in Fermentation From ancient origins to culinary frontiers, an exploration of the microbes that shape the world we live in 320pp. Penguin Life. £20. Tim Spector Ferment The lif

From chip-shop staple to artisanal ferment… how tangy vinegars have been livening up British mealtimes for generations

Skip the supermarket and see how easy it is to grow the most nutritious crops for heart, brain and immunity health, right on your own doorstep

Helping you get your best-ever fruit and veg

When she died in 2024, Spain’s Maria Branyas was the world’s oldest woman. She was 117. Experts believe the secret to her longevity may have been the bacteria living in her gut – her microbiome – and