Introduction to Home Fermented Foods

A collection of preserved delights: home-canning at its colorful best, featuring jars of pickles, vegetables, and sauerkraut with fresh produce and baked bread ready to enjoy.

• Basic Equipment

  Essential tools needed to start fermenting at home

  • Glass Jars

    Quart and half-gallon sizes for fermenting food.

  • Airlock Fermentation Lids

    Allows gases to escape while preventing oxygen from entering.

  • Weights

    Glass or ceramic weights to keep food submerged in brine.

  • Food Processor

    To chop or shred vegetables for things like sauerkraut or kimchi.

  • Mixing Bowls

    For mixing ingredients before fermenting.

  • Wooden Tamper

    Helps in packing vegetables tightly in jars.

  • pH Meter or Test Strips

    To monitor acidity levels, ensuring safe fermentation.

• Starter Cultures and Ingredients

  Key ingredients to start various types of fermentation

  • Quality Sea Salt

    Salt without anti-caking agents for effective fermenting.

  • Distilled Water

    Chlorine-free to avoid killing beneficial bacteria.

  • Scoby

    Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast for brewing kombucha.

  • Kefir Grains

    To make milk or water kefir at home.

  • Cheese Cloth

    To cover fermenting crocks or jars, allows breathability.

  • Vegetable Starter Culture

    Particularly for beginners to ensure fermentation success.

• Educational Materials

  Books and resources to learn techniques and recipes

  • Fermentation Guidebook

    Comprehensive guide to techniques and recipes.

  • Online Fermentation Course

    Video tutorials for hands-on learning.

  • Recipe Cards

    Quick reference for basic ferment recipes like sauerkraut and kimchi.

• Cleaning Supplies

  To maintain cleanliness and safety during fermentation

  • Unscented Soap

    For cleaning equipment without leaving residues behind.

  • Bottle Brush

    To clean jars and bottles thoroughly.

  • Sanitizer

    Food-grade sanitizer to keep all equipment germ-free.