Fermentation

I know some of you guys do it. I have been a huge canner and vinegar pickler for years. Thinking about jumping on the ferment band wagon. What all are you guys using? I saw some that use a bung on a wide mouth mason jar. I like that idea so I could do smaller and multiple batches. I do find it a bit backwards to spend $150 on a crock to make something that is so cheap to buy. Although if that is what it takes so be it. It might be cool if someone posted some pics and shared the process. Thanks in advance.

I have made some small batches with mason jars. I didn't use anything other than a loose fitting jar for all of the batches. Worked out pretty good.

I also have a 5L crock with a rim that works as an airlock.

So with the crock set up does that make it so there is no nasty floaters on top? We've made cider before and I remember spooning of moldy stuff on top.

I just started a few weeks ago and am using quart and half gallon mason jars. Simple, cheap, effective.

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Originally Posted by Tim K

I just started a few weeks ago and am using quart and half gallon mason jars. Simple, cheap, effective.

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Now were talking. What do you use for a lid?

Don't large jars come with those wax lids?

This is yet another endeavor that I'd like to get in to. One thing at a time...

Here are some les expensive rocks, and wooden sauerkraut boars to keep the cabbage pressed down...
http://non-electric.lehmans.com/search#w=crocks

I just use the regular lids and leave them loose.

I was just shopping for a 2 1/4" glass cutting hole saw. I'm thinking I'll make my own weights.

Asparagus is spectacular. We had some friends over last night and tried my first batch after a week. It was so good they begged me for a jar.

I made two more jars of asparagus today, and also put up two jars of mini sweet peppers and a couple jars of little cukes. Costco often has the cocktail cucumbers I like.

I'm finding I like pickles a little early, before the process is complete.

Crocks seem like they would be nice, but I usually use whatever is handy (plastic or glass). My favorite container for big batches are the big pretzel or cheese poof containers from costco. Ziploc bag filled with water to weight stuff down.