Bokashi is the Japanese term for "fermented organic matter". Bokashi systems are essentially a bucket with a lid which is used as a type of home composting system. Unlike home composting though this is designed to be an anaerobic process - its a bit like the process farmers use to make silage. The term Bokashi is also applied to the 'Effective Micro-organisms' which come with the system.
What are Effective Micro-organisms?
Effective Micro-organisms (EM) are the key to the Bokashi process - they are the helpful bugs such as lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and phototrophic bacteria. EM are usually supplied in the form of a bran which is coated in molasses and a culture of micro-organisms. You can buy it on-line and it will be posted out to you.
Why use Bokashi?
The main benefit to Bokashi is that it allows you to treat things like meat & fish which you shouldn't normally home compost. It does this by effectively pre-treating the food waste with a fermenting type process leaving it OK to then go in the compost heap.
Where can I get a Bokashi?
Bokashi units are available at specially discounted prices through the local councils. You can buy on-line via www.shropshire.getcomposting.com
How do I use Bokashi ?
When your Bokashi system arrives in the post you can immediately start adding all your food scraps, including cooked food and even meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Every time you add more food waste just sprinkle a handful of the bran over the top. Keep the lid tightly sealed to minimize odours and keep the air out. Once its full leave it about a fortnight and you should find that your food waste has been almost 'pickled' & has a sweet and sour vinegary smell.
What can I do with the fermented food waste?
You can now safely add the food waste to your compost heap - where it will decompose rapidly and break down to form compost. You can use this material as an active compost in the bottom of bean trenches.
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