What is Bokashi?

At 'Pickled' we make it easier to compost all food using a system that ferments or 'pickles' scraps - commonly known as Bokashi.

Bokashi is a Japanese term meaning ‘fermented organic waste.’ It’s a simple yet powerful method of ‘pickling’ food scraps to transform them into nutrient-rich compost.

Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi works in an airtight container using Pickled Composting Flakes—a special blend of beneficial microbes that ferment food in an oxygen-free environment. This process prepares all types of food waste for soil decomposition—yes, even meat, dairy, cooked food, and citrus!

Why does this matter? Nearly half of household food waste (48%) includes items that are tricky to compost—think bones, shells, banana skins, and expired food. These scraps often create odors, attract pests, and take ages to break down in standard compost piles. Instead of sending them to landfill, where they release methane, Bokashi ‘pre-digests’ them, making nutrients more readily available for soil and plants.

By embracing Bokashi, we can close the loop on food waste, enrich our soil faster, and grow more nutritious food.

Would you like to try it? Learn more about Bokashi composting and how it can help your business or household reduce waste effectively.