Fermented foods are all the rage nowadays and for good reason. They are not only delicious, but they also have a myriad of health benefits. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, which aid digestion and boost the gut microbiome. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And the best part is, you can make your own fermented foods at home!
Here’s how:
1. Start with a Good Fermentation Vessel
Before you begin, you’ll need a good fermentation vessel. You can use a mason jar, a pickle jar, or even a crock. The most important thing is that it has an airtight seal. You can purchase special fermentation lids or use cheesecloth and rubber bands to cover the jar.
2. Choose Your Food
There are countless foods that can be fermented, but some of the most common include sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kefir, and kombucha. Choose a food that you love to eat and that is easy to source. You can use fresh or frozen ingredients.
3. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start fermenting, you need to prepare your ingredients. For example, if you’re making sauerkraut, you’ll need to finely shred your cabbage and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for an hour or so to draw out the water, then massage the cabbage to release more liquid. Add any other seasonings you like, such as caraway seeds or garlic.
4. Pack the Jar
Once your ingredients are prepared, pack them tightly into your fermentation vessel. You want to leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. If your ingredients are not fully submerged in their liquid, you can add a bit of saltwater to cover them.
5. Wait
Now comes the hard part – waiting! Fermentation is a slow process, and it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the food you’re fermenting and the temperature of your kitchen. Check your ferment daily to make sure it’s not growing mold or going bad. If you see any mold, scoop it out and discard it. If the ferment smells bad, it’s probably gone bad and should be discarded.
6. Enjoy!
Once your ferment is ready, it’s time to taste it! Fermented foods can have a tangy, sour, or slightly effervescent taste. They can also be a bit salty, so taste before adding more salt. Once you’ve tasted it, you can store it in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process.
Fermenting your own food at home may seem a bit daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple. With a little bit of patience and some experimentation, you can create delicious, healthy fermented foods that your whole family will love. Just remember to start with a good fermentation vessel, choose your food wisely, prepare your ingredients well, pack the jar tightly, wait patiently, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
