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What can I use instead of 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.
What can I use for pickle weights?
The most commonly used organic weights for pickling are cabbage core, apples and daikon radish. Place enough pieces of cabbage core over vegetables to weight down (especially good when fermenting Sauerkraut.) Peel and core, apple or radish.
Can I use rocks as fermentation weights?
Rocks – The right size and shape rock will make a perfect weight. Be sure to boil them first for about 20 minutes to kill any competing or harmful bacteria. Marbles tied a in cheesecloth or muslin – Marbles work well because they can easily fit whatever size or shape jar you are using.
How do you use crock weights?
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. Insert the weights vertically one at a time into the crock opening.
Can I ferment without a weight?
The majority of fermenting crocks come with a weight that fits perfectly inside. In a closed system like the FARMcurious Fermenting Set (or other airlock system) a weight is generally not needed because the airlock keeps the environment oxygen-free and safe from contamination of yeast and mold.
Is silicone safe for fermenting?
Silicone for Fermentation. Silicone is FDA approved as a food-safe substance and is generally considered inert. You will see fermentation weights and fermentation airlocks made from silicone.
What can I use instead of a pickling crock?
Any food grade HDPE pail will work fine. I’ve even seen Rubbermaid Brute trash containers (which, believe it or not, are food grade) used by commercial pickle makers.
How do you keep pepper mash submerged?
Leaving too much headspace will increase the likelihood of mold formation. Keep your chilis submerged under brine. Glass fermentation weights help keep your chilis and garlic submerged while they ferment, lowering the chance that your hot sauce will be contaminated with mold. Use an airtight jar or fermentation seal.
How do you keep pickles from floating?
Large air pockets will work their way to the top of the jar during boiling – this can loosen your fruit. Susan (a friend from work) tells me her mother placed a piece of rye bread at the top of her pickles to keep them submerged.
How do you sterilize rocks for fermentation?
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 are fermentation weights made of?
These clear weights are made of glass are either round or come in two halves. The two halves can be inserted into the jar separately to make a whole. The weights can also be stacked if your ferment is particularly buoyant. Being made of glass they are very easy to clean, sterilise and will not absorb any liquid.
What is a pickling weight?
Pickle weights ensure your fermenting veggies stay below the surface of the brine, thereby eliminating exposure to oxygen which is the main cause of spoilage and mold.
What are crock weights used for?
The weights are unglazed and used for food preservation. The stones rest on top of food inside of the crock to keep food in the brine for proper fermentation.
What do you use crocks for?
Traditionally, and before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to hold foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats and pickled vegetables. The crocks were invariably made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight, even without a glaze.
Do you need fermentation lids?
When you’re trying to support your beneficial gut flora with homemade ferments, you want to make sure you’re culturing only the right kinds of bacteria. Using an airlock lid can help create that oxygen free environment, ensuring that only beneficial strains of bacteria grow (source).
How do you ferment vegetables without an airlock?
The best method is to use a canning jar with a plastic lid. Using canning jar with a metal lid, a clamp-down jar or even tightly sealed plastic wrap over a jar are all methods that work too. I have always done this and never have a problem with my kefir – even after almost two decades of fermenting.
Does sauerkraut have to be submerged?
Keeping everything below the brine is a key factor when making successful sauerkraut. We are talking oxygen-free, salty brine water – otherwise, you might get mould or dry powdery yeasts growing, as well as unfriendly bacteria.
Is silicone safe for kombucha?
The food-grade silicone material is a good alternative to cheap plastic that may contain BPA, phthalates and other potential harmful chemicals. The silicone funnel is a great, affordable option for those who want to more efficiently transfer their kombucha from the brewing containers.
Is it OK to ferment in plastic?
In Summary While glass and ceramic are the preferred containers for fermenting and do have many advantages, there is no reason you can’t ferment nearly anything in plastic. Always make sure that you are using high-quality food-grade plastic, and make sure to properly clean and care for it.
