Farmstead Ferments

Since 2010, our fermentaria has been processing, fermenting, pickling and preserving a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs into tasty, nutrient dense foods that support the health of the Virginia community while using practices that enrich her soils.

Our fermented foods – a wide array of sauerkrauts, kimchis, pickles, chutneys, salsas, kraut and pickle juices – and our fermented beverages — water kefir soda, kombucha, V-9, and fermented coffee — are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are loaded with probiotics, enzymes, and electrolytes.     

The flavors of our products are inspired by the abundance of what is available locally and seasonally, including what is grown on our farm, Free Bird Farm. We also procure vegetables, fruits and herbs from our local farming community, which helps ensure the viability of the community as a whole by increasing local food security while protecting small farms and natural environments. We grow or source locally over 75 percent of the ingredients used in our products during Virginia’s growing season each year. 

This dance with nature, our local terroir, and our neighboring food producers keeps us inspired to create an ever-changing array of small-batch products and flavors. 

About Farmstead Mercantile

The Farmstead Mercantile is the retail storefront for Farmstead Ferments products. In addition to our foods, folks can saddle up for house made soda sampling, get drinks to-go, and refills growler at our Water Kefir & Kombucha Soda Bar. Tasting our ever-changing and wide variety of soda flavors has become a favorite customer pastime.

The Mercantile Apothecary stocks over a hundred varieties of bulk, organic herbs and spices, herbal teas, and herbal body products, as well as herbal products for hearth and home. We also offer D.I.Y. fermentation starter cultures and supplies.

The Mercantile Pantry features local and artisan foods from around the region, fresh produce, bulk and organic foods, healthy kitchen staples and snacks, and holistic health and body care.

The Farmstead Funky Finds Consignment Boutique supports over 30 local artists and consigners and offers and ever-changing array of treasures. From consigned clothing, locally made art, crystals and crystal jewelry, music and craft supplies, vintage household items, there’s always a “funky” to “find”.