Kojicon
2024 conference overview
Calling all koji enthusiasts, chefs, fermenters, scientists, anthropologists, historians, and foodies! Kojicon 2024, themed: “Presence, Place, Possibility”, is for everyone from the koji-curious to the seasoned professional. Embark on a culinary journey with us during our fourth annual Kojicon.
A profound sense of place is crafted through the artful use of local and indigenous ingredients, intertwined with the vibrant microbial communities that grace our home kitchens, restaurants, or industrial facilities. Each locale generates distinctive characteristics, flavors, and narratives that tell the story of its culinary identity.
Fermentation begins with the presence of microbes found in our surroundings, on our bodies, and within the very ingredients we use. Yet, it's the marriage of this microbial dance with our mindful presence and personal connection to place that sparks the flames of creativity and builds community.
Join us as we explore the limitless possibilities that arise when we intentionally weave together the threads of presence and place.
Questions: Please email info@yellowfarmhouse.org
conference HISTORY
Kojicon is the brainchild of Yellow Farmhouse Director Jennifer Rothman, Author and Fermentation Expert Rich Shih, and Chef and Author Jeremy Umansky during the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. During the first conference, we expected about 100 participants. We were pleasantly surprised when over 600 people registered for our conference. With the excitement from the Koji community and the expert lineup of presenters, we knew we had created something special.
We have completed three annual conferences and are looking forward to our fourth in 2024. Kojicon 2023, Preserving the Past, Fermenting the Future, was a huge success due in part to all of our amazing presenters and the support, dedication, and enthusiasm of our audience. Recorded content for Kojicon 2023, 2022 and 2021, is included with a 2024 registration and available for viewing at your convenience. This access will expire on 12/31/24.
Kojicon is presented by the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center, a non-profit 501c3, in Southeastern, CT. Our mission is to connect people to each other and to where their food comes from through food and farm-based education.
Throughout this two week interactive conference, participants will gather virtually with experts in the field to share their passion and skills to utilize the magic of this edible mold. During Kojicon 2023, we took a dive deep into how fermentation, an essential tool of food production throughout history, has shaped our past and has the potential to shape our future for the better. For generations, fermentation and other preservation methods were a necessity for survival. As time has passed, that knowledge transfer started to dwindle and delicious, nutritious, culturally significant techniques were being lost.
Koji and fermentation also have the potential to change our food system for the better by reducing the amount of food waste we generate, utilizing less climate intensive ingredients, and introducing countless new flavors to people all over the world.
Over the course of two weeks, explore koji with live-streamed conversations and demonstrations and networking opportunities. All experience levels are welcome in this diverse, inclusive, and growing international community of koji enthusiasts.
Questions: Please email info@yellowfarmhouse.org