Andrea Kiewel rejects healthy fermented dish in the ZDF television garden!

Andrea Kiewel rejects healthy fermented dish in the ZDF television garden!

In the ZDF television garden, where all the ingredients for good entertainment can usually be found, there was an unexpected shocking moment on June 8, 2025. The motto of the program was “Vintage Flea Market” and the guest was the chef Olaf Schnelle, who shared his passion for fermented delicacies with the audience. However, while preparing dishes like fermented cucumbers and carrots, it turned out that presenter Andrea Kiewel wasn't particularly interested in trying the new creations. “Do I have to?” she asks incredulously when Schnelle offers her a sample, and ultimately decides to pass up the dish, which is uncharacteristic of the usual dynamic of the show. She also revealed her dislike for fermented foods when she openly admitted that she had never tasted kimchi, which is considered one of the most famous fermented foods, along with sauerkraut and miso, both of which are classics of fermentation, as [ZDFheute] notes.

Fermented products are becoming increasingly popular and are considered real superfoods in gastronomy. This ancient method of food preservation, unlike fresh varieties, is easily digestible and even improves health by supporting the diversity of intestinal flora. An even mix of fiber, fruit and vegetables in the diet is also essential for a healthy microbiome. Finally, the good bacteria in fermented foods not only promote immune defense, but also help reduce the risk of inflammation and other chronic diseases. Especially with dishes like the aforementioned lentil salad, into which Schnelle mixed sauerkraut, the trend towards models from nature and tasty alternatives comes into play.

An unforgettable day in the TV garden

The TV Garden incident couldn't have been more entertaining, especially when the popular show was further disrupted by a playback glitch from singer Jimmy Kelly. Such moments always provide ridicule and fun and remind viewers that not everything goes according to plan, even on television. Nevertheless, it remains to be hoped that in future editions, such as the already announced broadcast on August 25, 2024 under the motto “Rock in the Garden”, Kiewel will somewhat reduce her reservations about sophisticated dishes.

At that time, Andrea Kiewel's show was broadcast at 12 p.m. on the Lerchenberg in Mainz. Ticket prices are cheap, with standing room available at 12 euros and special free tickets for young children. The list of prominent guests is promising: Bülent Ceylan, the band Visions of Atlantis and other musical highlights are on the program. Ticket sales here are almost sold out, which is another indication that the TV garden is still very popular and delights the audience.

In the world of gastronomy and television, the topic of fermentation clearly has its merits. It's no wonder that many viewers and connoisseurs are getting to the bottom of the diverse and healthy aspects of food processing. After all, it takes a bit of courage and maybe next time Kiewel will show a good knack for new taste experiences.