How to Ferment at Home
February 9, 2024 2 Minute Read
1
Find a fermentation vessel and weight.
Use a glass jar or a non-reactive container and something to weigh down your fruit or veggies. Fermentation weights or a plastic bag with water works great. Make sure everything is washed thoroughly!
2
Make the brine.
In a separate container, dissolve salt in warm water. The amount of salt in the brine varies but often falls in the 3% range, about 2 tablespoons of salt to 4 cups of water. Once made, let brine cool.
3
Chop the vegetables or fruit.
Cut your chosen produce into uniform pieces. If it’s a watery veggie, err on the side of bigger to help maintain the crunch. Keep in mind that the larger the piece, the longer fermentation will take.
4
Place your goodies in a jar.
Add any spices you wish to the bottom of your fermentation vessel. Layer in your fruits or veggies. Cover everything with brine, use weights if needed, and cover loosely with a lid. Then set it aside.
5
Wait!
Depending on recipe and size of the pieces, fermentation can take anywhere from a few days to weeks. Check daily to burp the jar and give it the sniff test to see when it starts to develop its funk.
Step 6: Taste test and enjoy.
Once your concoction develops a funky smell, start taste-testing. Once it hits your level of deliciousness, pop it in the fridge. Refrigerated, fermented goodies can last anywhere from 4-12 months.