Table of Contents
How do you use a fermenting crock?
After a water-sealed crock is packed, two half-circle weights are placed into the crock to keep your ferment submerged. Then, the lid is placed into an open moat which is then filled with water. Now, outside air is prevented from entering the crock and carbon dioxide gases created during fermentation easily bubble out.
Does fermentation crock need to be full?
Fermenting Crocks are not designed to be filled to the top. You need to leave space at the top of the crock to insert the weights and to allow for potential expansion of the ingredients during fermenting. You do not want the brine to overflow out of the crock.
What can I use crocks for?
Our preserving crocks can also be used for everyday purposes, such as pantry storage and kitchen containers. They are perfect for holding potpourri, candy, magazines, kitchen utensils, cookbooks, pens, pencils, and/or candles. Some of them are even size appropriate to be used as pet feeders.
How do I disinfect my crock for fermenting?
Cleaning Your Fermenting Stones/Crock Scrub the mould off as much as you can. Put the stones in a pot with a few tablespoons of vinegar and hot water or fill the crock with vinegar and hot water (not boiling). Leave overnight. Rinse the stones/crock.
What can I use for fermentation weights?
A Small Ceramic or Glass Dish Mini jelly jars, condiment dishes or small dessert ramekins that fit inside the mouth of the jar work very well to weigh down fermenting veggies. Partially fill the jar with water to create extra weight or add these jars on top of fermentation weights to help keep vegetables submerged.
How do you use a stoneware crock?
Using Your Stoneware Fermenting Crock: Step 1: Cut your vegetables in large chunks. There should be enough vegetables to fill the crock to about an inch below the rim. Don’t overfill as vegetables expand as they ferment. Use good water: If your tap water is heavily treated, use bottled water.
Should I burp fermentation?
However, when using mason jars, because we tighten the lid firmly to avoid mould, it is necessary to burp the jars to release the pressure once or twice a day during fermentation (especially from days 2 through 5). This is very important to prevent exploding jars and/or leaking.
Does the jar have to be full when fermenting?
It is also important to have the Jar at least ⅔ full, so that there is sufficient carbon dioxide released by the desirable microbes (LAB) to force the lighter oxygen out of the jar. Vegetables poking up out of the brine will not ferment, and are not protected from spoilage by the aerobic microorganisms.
How much do old crocks sell for?
Collectively, antique stoneware crock values range from $500 to $400,000. However, actual antique crock selling prices depend on whether the crock has the iconic cobalt blue design.
Do you need a fermentation weight?
The majority of fermenting crocks come with a weight that fits perfectly inside. Even if you’re fermenting within a smaller environment like Mason jar you’ll need a weight to keep the produce submerged and that’s frequently where the confusion starts.
How do you use water-sealed fermentation in crock?
After a water-sealed crock is packed, two half-circle weights are placed into the crock to keep your ferment submerged. Then, the lid is placed into an open moat which is then filled with water. Now, outside air is prevented from entering the crock and carbon dioxide gases created during fermentation easily bubble out.
What were big crocks used for?
Large crocks, at least 20-gallon, were reserved for brining or curing meat after butchering. A brine was made of sugar, salt, and a small amount of salt peter or sodium nitrate, which was mixed into gallons of water.
How do you use a ceramic crock?
How to Use a Fermenting Crock Clean and soak the fermenting weights. Start with clean fermenting weights so you can avoid mold issues. Wash your fermenting crock and produce. Prep your vegetables. Stuff it into the fermenting crock. Keep an eye on things. Play the waiting game. Store your fermented food.
How do you sterilize fermentation weights?
Simply bring a large stock pot (like this one) of water to a boil, insert the weights gently, and allow them to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure the weights are not touching during the boil and move them around periodically so that all surfaces are able to be cleaned thoroughly.
How do you clean stoneware crock?
Remove layers of dirt and grime by soaking the stoneware in a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and 2 gallons of hot water. Allow the piece to soak for 24 hours, then scrub lightly with a soft-bristled brush. Remove pencil marks or remnants of silver and other plating with metal polish or a simple pencil eraser.
How do I clean a crock?
Here’s how to do it: Fill your Crock-Pot with water over the residue line. Add vinegar. A little at a time, add baking soda. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow your Crock-Pot to cool down, then wash it in your sink or dishwasher.
