If you are into home canning and fermentation, then you have surely thought about the right food fermentation equipment. Still, it is no easy task, and it may mean that you need to spend some time online doing research and reading reviews.
Here are the 7 pieces of food fermentation equipment you need to know about!
Equipment #1: Fermentation Crocks
Also called fermentation vessels, the fermentation crock works well at high temperatures and keeps jars and cans upright. The size and weight depends on what you need and what size batches you are preparing.
This 5-liter fermentation crock is affordable, weighted, and safe. You can make up to 10 standard-size jars per batch. The gutter will also fill with water, to seal your food from any contaminants, including dirt and insects.
If you are looking for something more in the middle, this 3-liter fermentation crock is a good option. This crock has a deep-water grove, which helps create the vacuum seal and prevents air from escaping.
Finally, when simply starting out, this 2-liter fermentation crock is a cheap option that works for what you need. This set also comes with pickling weights and a wooden cabbage tamper.
Equipment #2: Canning Jars
Whenever you are getting ready to can and ferment food at home, then canning jars will be an essential item to have at the ready. Whenever you make things like pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, or chutney, you will want to have your favorite jars ready. Make sure to also get them in all sizes and shapes. You never know how a fermentation project may end up.
Start by buying this 12-pack of 16-ounce glass canning jars that also includes airtight lids and bands. These are very reliable jars for fermenting pickles, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and any type of canned meat, bean, or vegetable.
When you need more variety, this 16-pack of glass jars includes both 8-ounce jars and 4-ounce jars as well. They are sturdy and also come with silver lids, which are durable for long-term storage.
This other set of 4-liter jars is perfect for storing fermented foods in bulk. Make bigger batches of your favorite foods, including kimchi, kefir, beets, pickles, and more. These jars are wider and bigger, making them easier to handle when you want to store foods for shorter periods and in bigger quantities.
Equipment #3: Fermentation Kit
You may not need a fermentation kit at all. But if you want one, then it can come in handy for sure. Having a fermentation kit handy is a blessing if you are new to fermentation, particularly because it includes all the pieces you may need.
This Masontops fermentation kit includes four airlock tops, four glass weights, a pickle packer, and a recipe book. All you need to do is fill your jars with the ingredients and wait for your fermented product to be ready. Plus, with step-by-step instructions and pictures, you will be sure to do things right.
For a slightly cheaper price, you can try this Easy Fermenter starter kit. This kit includes fermenting lids, fermenting weights, and a membership to the Fermenting Club, which includes access to recipes, videos, and an ebook. With this easy kit, you will find it easy to start fermenting your favorite foods.
If you want something foolproof, this Mortier Pilon fermentation kit comes with a 2-liter glass fermentation crock, lid, weight, and a recipe book. This kit will make everything easy for you, and all you need to do is pick one of the 45 recipes that come with this kit.
Equipment #4: Fermentation Lids
When you begin to ferment food, the standard practice is to cover the jar with a lid. In some cases, you can use either a lid with or without an airlock. The lid is there to keep the oxygen out and allow the carbon dioxide to escape, which is why airlock lids do a better job at keeping the oxygen out.
These Masontops Tough Tops are durable leak-proof lids that happen to be airtight too. These lids are great if you are looking to store liquid fermented food in your jars, plus they are BPA free as well. Unlike the regular Mason jar metal lids, these will never rust.
You can also go for Ball regular plastic lids, which also happen to be airtight and leak-proof. You can run these through the dishwasher without a problem and they are also BPA-free. These, however, are not safe for canning, so you can only use them for fermenting.
Equipment #5: Fermentation Weights
You may not think of this if you are a newbie at fermenting, but keeping the food submerged is a key part of the process. To do this, you will likely need what is known as fermentation weights. While you may hear that you can use other items, like a bag full of brine, to push things down, this may contaminate the food you are fermenting.
The best bet is to always go for a glass or ceramic fermentation weight, which may be a bit pricey, but always reusable. This Easy Weight fermentation weight is made of glass and fits in any wide-mouth jar, whether big or small. Thanks to its unique design, this weight is also easy to remove without getting your fingers too dirty.
You can also try these Masontops pickle pebble glass weights that are fit for small and regular size jars. The custom design of these weights is perfect for your common jars and you can easily remove them by using your fingers. These are also made of food-safe soda-lime glass, like your common jars, so they are easy to clean and can go in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Equipment #6: Kitchen Scale
You may already have a kitchen scale at home, whether it is digital or manual. The digital type is easier to use and more reliable, like this Etekcity food kitchen scale that can weigh up to 11 pounds. You can quickly convert measurement units to make things easier, and it is compatible with other containers.
Try this OXO Good Grips scale that measures up to 5 pounds, but is good for fermentation projects that do not require a ton of food. You can use this scale without much hassle and for a low price.
Equipment #7: pH Test Strip
A pH test strip is a very accurate way of reading the acidity level of any fermented food. Though some people often use their sense of smell, a pH test is an accurate way to make sure you are doing things right.
Try using the Hydrion pH tester, which offers a great way to know where your food stands in terms of acidity.
Let’s start fermenting!
Now that you know all about the food fermentation equipment you need, you can start trying out the process with your favorite foods. Don’t miss out on all the foods you can make and the tasty recipes that are just minutes away.
Start looking up the right products for yourself today, so that you can experience all the fun in fermenting. If you follow this list, you should be ready to go before you even know it!
Now that you’ve read about the food fermentation equipment that you should know, why not try making a delicious fermented dish today? Like this Fiery Fermented Tomato Salsa!
