FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does it work?
The chemical process is similar to vinegar-based pickling, according to Dr. Yong Deng Hang, a food science professor at Cornell University. “The process is to acidify the food,” said Hang. Yeast converts food sugars into alcohol and lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid. Combined, these create a vinegar-like acid that ferments the waste. Like a picked cucumber, it can sit, preserved, on a shelf—or in your front yard—until you are ready to use it, Hang added.
How do I use my bucket?
Put a layer of food in the bucket about two inches deep. Apply a layer of bran. Repeat. If the bucket seems a bit stinky, add more bran. Simple.
What can I put in my bucket?
What you can include: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked or uncooked foods and leftovers, meat, chicken & fish bones, dairy, cheese, eggs and eggshells, coffee grinds and teabags, dried leaves and wilted flowers, biodegradable paper products, lint, hair
Do not include: Liquids, soups, milk, juices, oils or sodas, plastic wraps, cans, containers or styrofoam, rubber bands, thick meat bones or seafood shells
Do I have to sign up for the service? Or can I just buy the materials?
We will sell you the materials, and you can do the heavy-lifting yourself. (See products & services for pricing.) Keep in mind, you will need to consistently buy bran mixture. Also, I full bucket can be heavy. Our recommendation is to rally some friends, and sign up for the discounted pick-up service.
I have a lot of friends who would be interested in this service, but they don't all live in my building. Can I get the discounted service rate if I get ten friends to sign up?
Part of our discount is based on the efficiencies of picking up ten apartments in the same building. That said, we're happy to come up with a unique price discount based on the number of friends you sign up. Just give us call or send us an email and we'll work something out for you
What if I fill my bucket faster than once a month? Will you come pick it up and provide me with another?
Generally an individual or couple will fill a bucket in a month. Households of three or more may take two buckets for the same fee. There is an additional $5 for any additional buckets. We limit our carbon footprint by collecting from you just once a month.
How do we sign up to use your fermented product in our garden/farm?
We will support any community garden or urban farm that needs nitrogen to turn garden waste into rich compost. Note: as we are building our service it is possible that we may not have enough fermented food waste to meet demand. One more reason to tell your friends and neighbors to sign up for Vokashi!
Question hasn't been answered here?
Please contact us at 718 623 1911 or email: vokashi@gmail.com