Fermented rice bran (compost activator)

Fermented rice-bran paste made by agroecological growers in southern Costa Rica to multiply lactobacilli and help break down fibrous and woody compost materials.

Application

Application description: For compost: put the fermented bran in a tied cloth sack, immerse it in a half-filled 200 L drum of water with 2–3 L of molasses and move it at least once a day for 3 days; when it smells of yeast, water the compost with this tea, keeping it moist but not dripping.

Dose: The source gives no rate: moisten the compost without it dripping.

Tips

The fermented bran is also used to make a starter: 1 ounce in 1 L of raw whole milk, covered for about 3 days until it separates into three layers.

Preparation process

1. In a 15–20 L lidded bucket, mix the water, salt, chillies, garlic and onion.
2. Add the bran gradually, mixing until it forms a pudding-like paste.
3. Add the carrots, yoghurt, yeast and bread and stir for 5 minutes with a wooden spoon. Cover.
4. Each day, stir for 5 minutes and cover again.
5. It is ready after 5–6 days, when it smells fermented, like pickles.

Preparation time

5 to 6 days.

Product obtained

Thick paste with a sour, pickle-like smell.

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