fermenting What's the point of fermenting peppers?

[samak]

What is the purpose of fermenting peppers? Can anyone explain what happens in the process? Are there sugars in the pepper that become alcohol? Or is there something else going on? Do you have to cook the pepper mash after fermentation is complete?

Thanks!

 

[frydad4]

Hey samak. Welcome to THP.
My understanding is that fermenting is just a different way to "pickle" peppers that doesn't use vinegar. Some people cook it, some blend it with other stuff later, some eat it as-is.
Endless possibilities.

Check out the thread about fermenting aji lemon peppers. I made a small fermenter out of a mason jar, a grommet, and a beer bubbler (can be ordered online, dirt cheap).

http://www.thehotpepper.com/topic/22721-fermented-aji-lemon/

 

[POTAWIE]

With fermentation sugars are turned into lactic acid which will change the taste and also work as a vinegar substitute for lowering ph and preserving