Wellington Women’s Institute welcomed Katie Venner of Tracebridge Sourdough to their last meeting in March. As fermented foods are current favourites with members the visit was timely.
The group was made aware of the health benefits of fermented foods – some of them known but others surprising. Fermented foods include not only sourdough bread and sauerkraut but also coffee, chocolate, soy sauce and alcohol, all of which encourage production of good gut bacteria, improve digestion and general health and boost the immune system. Members learned that Captain Cook took several casks of sauerkraut with him on his journey to the Antipodes which prevented the crew from developing scurvy.
Samples of sauerkraut and kimchi, a Korean staple, were tasted “with varying degrees of enthusiasm” and members were invited to attend one of Katie’s courses to learn more.
As well as monthly meetings, Wellington WI has a wide range of activity groups run by members, with a new art group to be added soon. The outdoor group has been hibernating through the winter but a walk along the canal is planned next month and, later this year, members will man a stand at the Wellington Flower Show and at Welliestock.
Next month’s speaker is from Somerset Beekeepers. The meeting will take place on 21 April at the Beambridge Inn from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Visitors are very welcome.
Website: www.wellingtonwi.org.uk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/WellingtonWomensInstitute
Twitter: @WellingtonAreaWI
Telephone: 07773 350459
Email: info@wellingtonwi.org.uk