Today is day 3 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading.

Today’s Question is “What’s the easiest way to get started with fermenting food? I would really like to do it for the health benefits but it seems a little bit overwhelming to get started because I have never done it.”

Answering the question today is Jenise Fryatt, co-host of the Sustainable Living Podcast. I would encourage you to go and check out her podcast if you want to hear more great advice about living a sustainable life.

Listen To The Podcast

How to Get Started with Fermenting Food: Simple Steps for Beginners

Fermenting foods might sound like a fancy and complicated process, but it’s actually super simple! Once you get started, you’ll realize it’s easy to make healthy, probiotic-rich foods right at home. Plus, it’s fun and can save you money. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to dive into the world of fermenting, with a focus on making your own delicious sauerkraut!

Why Fermenting Foods Is Awesome

Fermenting food has been around for thousands of years, and for good reason. It’s a natural way to preserve food and make it even healthier. Fermented foods are full of probiotics, which are good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. They can also help your immune system, boost your mood, and improve digestion.

The Easiest Way to Start: Sauerkraut!

If you’re new to fermenting, sauerkraut is a great place to begin. Sauerkraut is simply fermented cabbage, but it’s packed with flavor and health benefits. And the best part? It only takes two ingredients: cabbage and salt. Let’s walk through the process.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 head of green or purple cabbage
• 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• 2 quart-sized mason jars
• A knife or food processor
• A cup or something small that fits inside the jar for pressing

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Cabbage: Start by peeling off the outer leaves of the cabbage. You want to get to the clean, fresh leaves underneath. Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Then, either slice the cabbage into thin strips using a knife or shred it with a food processor.
2. Mix It Up: Put the shredded cabbage in a big bowl and sprinkle the salt on top. Use your hands to mix the cabbage and salt together. As you do this, squeeze the cabbage to help release its juices. This is an important step because the juice will be what the cabbage ferments in!
3. Pack the Jars: Now, pack the cabbage into the mason jars. Push it down firmly, so the cabbage is submerged in its own juice. If the cabbage isn’t completely covered, mold can develop, and we definitely don’t want that! You can use extra cabbage leaves or plastic wrap to help keep the cabbage under the liquid.
4. Let It Ferment: Put the lid on the jars and let them sit at room temperature (65–75°F) for about three days. Some people recommend leaving it for seven days to really maximize the probiotic benefits. You can taste it after a few days and see what you prefer. Just make sure to store the jars in the fridge once it’s done fermenting. Sauerkraut can last for months in the fridge!

Tips to Make Your Sauerkraut Even More Delicious

Once you’ve mastered the basic sauerkraut recipe, feel free to get creative! You can add things like caraway seeds or chopped peppers for extra flavor. There are also lots of websites and blogs with recipes for other fermented foods, like kimchi (a spicy fermented cabbage dish from Korea) or kombucha (a fermented tea drink). The possibilities are endless!

Fermentaholics Kombucha SCOBY & Starter Tea | Live, Fresh, Organic Starter Culture | DIY Kombucha | 12oz Fresh Starter Tea

• ★ USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC SCOBY ★ Our cultures are Organic & Kosher, grown in…
• ★ BREW WITH CONFIDENCE ★ Our easy instructions guide you step by step…
• ★ MAKES ONE GALLON ★ You will receive 1.5 cups of strong, mature liquid…

Check Current Price

Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fermentation Kits for the Nervous Newbie

If you’re feeling a little nervous about starting your first fermentation project, you’re not alone. Many people feel a bit overwhelmed when they’re just getting started. A great way to ease into it is by using a fermentation kit. These kits often come with everything you need, like mason jars, lids with airlocks, and detailed instructions. It takes the guesswork out of the process, and after a few batches, you’ll feel confident enough to do it all on your own!

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Give Fermenting a Try

Once you start fermenting your own foods, you might just get hooked! It’s a fantastic way to make healthy, delicious foods for your family, and it doesn’t take much time or money. With just a head of cabbage and some salt, you can create a probiotic powerhouse that’s great for your gut and fun to make. So grab some cabbage and get fermenting!

You can find out more about Jenise and her podcast at her website and social media pages:

• Website: The Sustainable Living Podcast: http://sustainablelivingpodcast.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sustainablelivingpodcast
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sustlivingpod

Links For More Information About The Benefits Of Fermented Foods

• Fermented Foods, Health and the Gut Microbiome
• Fermented-food diet increases microbiome diversity, decreases inflammatory proteins, study finds
• Health benefits of fermented foods: microbiota and beyond

Listen On YouTube