If you’ve recently started exploring sustainable food waste solutions, you may have come across the term Bokashi pre-compost. But what exactly does it mean, and how is it different from traditional compost?
In this blog, we’ll explain what Bokashi pre-compost is, how it fits into the composting process, and why more households and gardeners are turning to Bokashi composting for managing their food waste efficiently.
What is Bokashi Pre-Compost?
Bokashi pre-compost refers to the fermented food waste produced during the Bokashi composting process. Unlike traditional compost, which decomposes waste through aerobic (oxygen-based) breakdown, Bokashi uses anaerobic fermentation — meaning it works without oxygen.
The result is not finished compost, but a nutrient-rich, pickled mixture known as pre-compost, which must be added to soil to complete the composting process.
How Does Bokashi Composting Work?
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Food waste (including meat, dairy, and cooked food) is added to a Bokashi bin.
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Each layer is sprinkled with Bokashi bran, which contains Effective Microorganisms (EM) that ferment the waste.
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The bin is sealed airtight to create anaerobic conditions.
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Over 1–2 weeks, the food ferments rather than rots, producing Bokashi pre-compost.
This pre-compost is then buried in soil or added to a compost heap to break down fully and turn into humus-rich compost.
What Does Bokashi Pre-Compost Look Like?
One of the most common surprises for beginners is that Bokashi waste looks much the same after two weeks in the bin. That’s completely normal! The food is fermented, not broken down.
Signs your pre-compost is ready:
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A slightly sour or vinegary smell (not foul or rotten)
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White mould may be present – this is a sign of healthy fermentation
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Little to no visible decomposition (that happens later, in the soil)
How to Use Bokashi Pre-Compost
After fermentation, the Bokashi pre-compost needs to be:
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Buried directly into garden soil (known as trench composting)
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Added to a compost bin or pile to further break down
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Mixed into a soil factory, which is a contained space where composting continues indoors or in a garage
Within a few weeks, the pre-compost will break down fully, feeding soil microbes and enriching the earth.
Benefits of Bokashi Composting
✅ Breaks Down All Food Waste
Bokashi can handle meat, fish, dairy, bread, and cooked leftovers — items that aren’t typically suitable for traditional composting.
✅ Speeds Up Soil Enrichment
Because the food is fermented, once buried, it breaks down quickly in the soil and enhances microbial activity.
✅ Compact and Odour-Controlled
Perfect for flats, homes with small gardens, or urban settings. A Bokashi bin fits neatly under a sink and, when managed properly, smells only mildly fermented – never rotten.
✅ Produces Bokashi Tea
The fermentation process creates a liquid byproduct known as Bokashi tea, which can be used (diluted) as a plant fertiliser or drain cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Bokashi pre-compost is a brilliant solution for managing household food waste in a clean, efficient, and eco-friendly way. While it may look like your waste hasn’t changed much, the fermentation process makes it highly beneficial for your soil once it's integrated properly.
Whether you're a keen gardener or just looking for a low-waste lifestyle, Bokashi composting offers an easy and effective method to recycle food scraps and support healthy soil.
