How to Ferment Vegetables: The Basic Culturing Process
What is Lacto-fermentation? Lacto-fermentation is a method of food preservation that also enhances the nutrient content of the food. The action of the bacteria makes the minerals in cultured foods more readily available to the body. The bacteria also produce vitamins and enzymes that are beneficial for digestion.
Here’s what you need to get started:
1. Basic Equipment
The right equipment can make all the difference when getting started, from a good chopping knife to the right fermentation vessel to fit your needs. Consider carefully when choosing your equipment and supplies.
2. Preparing Vegetables
There are several ways to prepare the vegetables for fermenting: grating, shredding, chopping, slicing, or leaving whole. The preparation method is a personal choice, though some vegetables are better suited for leaving whole, while others ferment better when shredded or grated.
3. Salt, Whey, or Starter Culture?
A recipe may call specifically for salt, salt and whey, or a starter culture. The method chosen can vary, depending on personal taste, special dietary requirements, and even the vegetables used. The information presented in this article can help you decide between salt, whey, and starter cultures for fermenting vegetables.
If salt fermentation is the preferred method, choose from the different kinds of salt appropriate for culturing.
4. Water for Preparing Brine
Water used for preparing brine or starter culture should be as free from contaminants as possible, for the best-tasting finished product. Consider the points in this article before choosing your water source for culturing.
5. Weighing Vegetables Down Under the Brine
Once the vegetables have been prepared and placed in the chosen fermentation vessel, weigh the vegetables down under the brine, keeping them in an anaerobic environment during the fermentation period.
6. Moving to Cold Storage
Once the vegetables are finished culturing, it’s time to move them to cold storage. When new to fermenting, it may be difficult to know exactly when to consider the vegetables finished. Follow these tips for deciding when vegetables are ready for cold storage, to enjoy the finished vegetables for as long as possible.
As with any culturing process, each batch of fermented vegetables can turn out differently. If the vegetables grow mold or yeast on top, use this guide to decide what to do about mold and how to prevent it in future batches.
Ready to Get Started Culturing Vegetables?
Some easy first recipes are