What do I do if the liquid is leaking from the jar while my veggies culture?
This liquid is called the brine, and if you made you jar too full the brine might leak out. Not a big deal. Simply open the jar, push the veggies…
Read MoreWhat are the white spots on my veggies?
This is one of the things that people find most troublesome. While these appear to be mold, they are actually something called kahm yeast. This yeast is not harmful, but…
Read MoreHow will I know if my vegetables are properly fermented?
They will taste sour and the liquid they are in will look bubbly. If your culturing has gone wrong, you will know this by the strong, unappetizing odor the veggies…
Read MoreCan these foods be stored out of the fridge after they have been fermented?
Technically, cultured vegetables can be stored in a cooler basement or cold cellar. However, they will continue to ferment, and in short order they won’t taste very good. Cultured veggies…
Read MoreWhy aren’t my vegetables crunchy?
Salt is the key. Vegetables without salt become soft and slimy. Vegetables made with salt will stay crunchy.
Read MoreHow long can I store my cultured veggies?
In the refrigerator, cultured veggies will keep for up to nine months, and sometimes longer. They continue to ferment but at a much slower rate. I find that many of…
Read MoreHow long do I culture my vegetables on the kitchen counter? Can I leave them longer?
For most vegetables, culturing takes six days at room temperature. There are a few vegetables that will culture in only two or three days, but these shorter times are indicated…
Read MoreCan cultured vegetables develop botulism?
No. Botulism is an issue with canned goods because the heat used in canning kills all the good bacteria. When culturing foods, the healthy bacteria thrive and make it impossible…
Read MoreMy vegetables are rising in the jar. Is this okay?
Yes, this is perfectly normal and expected. Fermented vegetables should rise and expand as they culture, and you’ll find that they can often be very bubbly. This is a normal…
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