Unruly Richness
Unruly richness
Japanese: 手に負えない豊かさ
The idea that richness beyond human management or control exists within fermentation. Deviations from plan can produce unexpected deliciousness.
Within fermentation, there are realms beyond human control. An unexpected microbe intrudes and deepens the flavor. Temperature fluctuation brings unforeseen aging. This unruliness is a quality control risk, yet looking back, many great products were born from such accidents. Unruly richness is creativity outside of control. Against the modern impulse to manage everything, fermentation offers a different mode of knowledge. There is deliciousness that cannot be planned. The capacity to embrace this may be what defines a great brewer. The concept of unruly richness is a quiet challenge from fermentation to modern society's worship of efficiency and control. Trying to control everything can paradoxically diminish richness. Fermentation teaches this paradox daily at the table.