LAKEPORT, Calif. – In recent years there is much interest in the purported health benefits of fermented foods. Proponents claim that eating fermented food restores beneficial bacteria in the gut and improves one’s over-all health.

In November Lakeport Library will host two free programs about fermented foods, one about fermented vegetables and one about fermented milk products.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Amy Patton and Molly Patton will demonstrate how to make kimchi, Korea’s national dish renowned for its pungent flavor.

Kimchi, often made from cabbage, is traditionally buried for several months to ferment but modern methods make preparation simpler for today’s cook.

Desiree Todd will demonstrate fermented milk products including clabber cheese, yogurt and buttermilk on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.

Milk-producing societies around the world have used cultured dairy products for hundreds of years.        

Lakeport Library, located at 1425 N. High St., is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. The phone number is 707-263-8817.