Anaerobic bacteria / Anaerobic microorganisms

Anaerobic bacteria prefer oxygen-free environments. Deep inside miso, within nuka pickles, in the depths of the human gut—they work quietly in places where oxygen does not reach.

For obligate anaerobes, oxygen is poison. Bifidobacterium and methanogens fall into this category. Most lactic acid bacteria, on the other hand, are aerotolerant anaerobes—they don't die in oxygen but work best under anaerobic conditions.

Placing weights on miso during preparation to seal out air creates an environment where anaerobic lactic acid bacteria and yeast can thrive. By cutting off oxygen, fermentation begins to move. A theme that reveals the depth of fermentation science.