Bad Virus, Good Microbes: The Global Domestication of Yeast Cultures and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Berger and Monterescu share details on the global domestication of yeast cultures and the COVID-19 pandemic. They cite that as individuals retreat from the policed and medicalized public sphere, home-cooking is reconceptualized through the emotive language of authenticity in the spirit of the neoliberal self-help discourse. Sourdough bread-baking, despite allowing for some measurement and control, is depicted as a "magical" activity re-enchanting daily routine through the wonder of creating a living thing. In catching wild yeast strands lies a true element of surprise and romantic discovery. Unlike standard industrial yeast, success is not guaranteed, and relations are forged for the long term.