Fermentation connects us to creatures we usually ignore, but that live all around and are part of us. Inside a jar, a micro-ecosystem unfolds. Invisible life transforms the food, revealing new colour, new texture, new flavour.

Invisible Creatures is a collective experience exploring fermentation as a living micro-ecosystem. The session begins with a tasting of fermented vegetables as a surprise for the senses. Participants then discover what made it possible: invisible creatures, already at work.

From there, participants create their own collective ferment. Together, they wash hands, cut, salt and massage vegetables, activating transformation and sharing the same living process. The ferment that results belongs to everyone.

At the end of the session, the collective ferment is divided into individual jars. Each participant takes home a living micro-ecosystem, gives it a name, and begins a relationship with their invisible creatures: watching them transform day by day, caring for them, and eventually eating them.

No prior knowledge required. The experience is entirely plant-based. The workshop involves handling vegetables, fermented foods and knives. Participants should be comfortable with touching and tasting fermented vegetables. A small jar to take home is included—participants are invited to bring a bag.

Mónica Esteves is a product and food designer with a background in architecture, design and cooking. She is currently developing research on fermentation and food design at the University of Porto. Through Momonimo, she explores food as a medium for experimental, critical and social approaches to design.