Having grown up bowhunting the mountains of Nevada, it's clear Tim Bray has never been interested in doing things the easy way. The same can be said for the incredible fermented foods and drinks he creates. In this episode, Tim shares his own fascinating story, along with a bunch of tips and wisdoms he's learned over the past few decades.

A huge thank you again to Tim for his time, stories, and skillset today.

Give Tim a follow on Facebook –and check out his Ecology Hour show on local radio station KZYX

Key Topics:

• The process of fermenting apples into cider and the importance of apple varieties
• How weather and year-to-year variations influence cider flavor profiles
• The role of wild yeast strains and developing cultured yeasts like Kvike
• Techniques for aging and blending cider for flavor
• Historical context of brewing post-Prohibition in America
• The science behind lacto-fermentation in vegetables, fruits, and meats
• The cultural and natural history of yeast strains from Norway and Lithuania
• How fermentation preserves flavor and enhances gut health

00:00 - Introduction to Tim Bray
02:19 - Workshop setup and fermentation chambers explained
05:40 - The true meaning of cider worldwide
06:36 - Fermentation as a method of preservation and brewing basics
09:19 - Comparing cider and beer brewing processes
10:13 - The importance of starting with quality fruit for good cider
12:00 - Regional apple varieties and their influence on cider quality
13:30 - How acidity, tannins, and sugar balance in cider
15:30 - Variations in American cider styles, back-sweetening, and commercial practices
17:05 - Developing wild yeast cultures and homebrew brewing history
18:23 - Yeast strains like Scrumpy and their unique characteristics
19:00 - The aging process and fermentation byproducts
20:02 - Impact of weather and apple quality on seasonal cider variations
22:07 - Using sulfur dioxide and wild yeast in cider fermentation
24:22 - The art of blending different batches for flavor complexity
25:37 - How fermentation shapes flavors similar to seasoning in cooking
27:09 - Timeline for cider fermentation and aging techniques
28:33 - The influence of weather on apple and cider profiles
30:34 - Differences in flavor due to apple traits and conditions
33:00 - Adjusting process based on experience and weather patterns
35:10 - The craft of blending cider types and batches
36:04 - The basics of homebrewing beer and how it relates to fermentation
37:52 - Prohibition's impact on brewing and the rise of craft beer
41:16 - Notable craft brewers from homebrew roots, Sierra Nevada's story
44:06 - The innovative Norwegian Kvike yeast strain and its advantages
49:25 - Techniques for hunting and the story of a big Nevada buck
54:50 - Challenges of tracking and handling game in rugged terrain
63:17 - The historic Roxbury Russet apple and cloning techniques
66:45 - The significance of orchard diversity and cider apple varieties
70:10 - The cultural significance of fermentation in different regions
85:30 - The Norwegian Kvike yeast's unique fermentation traits
92:32 - The specificity and flavor contributions of different yeast strains
98:15 - Benefits of lacto-fermentation for preservation and gut health
103:25 - How modern food processing affects natural fermentation and health
105:39 - Using fermentation to digest carbohydrates and improve nutrition
106:00 - A preview of future demonstrations, including kimchi making

Exercise begins at 11.30

In this episode, Robin dives deeper into the practices that help him focus when they matter the most. He recounts his recent successful tradbow hunt in the mountains with a red hartebeest while it's fresh in his mind, and explains some of the techniques that helped him succeed when the percentages said he should have failed.

In this episode, Robin reunites with Ross Cameron and Dr. Adrian de Villers for a few days at the Cameron Property. Amongst great chats with the Cameron clan, and delicious meals cooked over an open fire, Ross and The Doc venture up onto the mountain in search of wild game. While the heavy rains scuppered fishing on the Vaal river, some mind-blowing animal encounters kept their spirits high and bellies full.

A huge thank you again to the Camerons for another incredible adventure!

Interested in fly fishing, specimen carp fishing, or bespoke bowhunting? Or maybe just want to relax amongst the largest wild olives forest in the southern hemisphere? Check out Camelotstay.co.za

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Key Topics:

• Robin's trip to Parais, South Africa, including stay at Camelot and mountain adventures
• The experience of hunting with a recurve bow in the bush and the challenges involved
• Stories from flying cattle rescue missions, including dramatic weather and mountain passes
• The unique wildlife encounters
• Cultural and practical insights into South African farms, water systems, and local community life
• The significance of salt harvesting from ocean rocks and animal behaviors in different environments
• Exploring remote airstrips, abandoned runways, and historic aviation stories
• Insights into sustainable cattle farming and indigenous breeds in Africa
• Personal moments of reflection, including proposal stories and future plans

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Robin’s recent South Africa trip overview
00:41 - Exploring Camelot Stay and mountain adventures
02:04 - Robin’s hunting experiences and challenges of using a recurve bow
03:36 - Flying cattle rescue stories during severe weather events
04:53 - Encounter with wildlife around the farm
06:06 - Exploring remote airstrips and local aviation history
08:07 - Insights into water systems and environmental impact in South Africa
12:02 - Cultural stories about farms, community, and indigenous cattle
16:29 - Historic aviation and secret airstrips in remote areas
20:46 - South African weather patterns and seasonal rains
24:10 - Local community life and farm activities
27:02 - The impact of storms on water levels and dams
31:29 - Shark diving and underwater filming adventures with local experts
36:14 - Challenging terrain and driving in South Africa’s wild areas
40:28 - Wildlife sightings and animal behaviors at night
45:02 - Hunting and tracking stories with insights into animal behavior
50:18 - Family life, pet stories, and farm daily routines
54:13 - Hunting preparations, firearm details, and field strategies
58:08 - Reflections on wildlife conservation and animal management
64:16 - The thrill of tracking and shooting in the bush
70:00 - Personal stories of proposals and future plans in the wild
73:08 - Wrapping up with future adventures and gratitude