Pickling & Fermenting

Ah, the wonders of fermentation. What doesn’t taste better after sitting in an anaerobic brine for several days, or weeks, or months? Not to mention the health benefits – an abundance of friendly bacteria and enzymes to keep all systems fine-tuned. This is truly the heart of food preservation – taking wonderful, fresh, healthy foods and not only preserving them, but making them even healthier!

CROCKS, WEIGHTS & LIDS

The old fermenting standby. We carry stoneware crocks from Ohio Stoneware, made in Zanesville, Ohio with lead-free glaze. Ohio Stoneware also makes lids and weights. We’re one of the few retailers to carry a selection of crocks from Careen Stoll, local potter based near Battle Ground, WA. Careen’s lovely porcelain crocks are practical works of art. We also stock attractive, brown-glazed crocks from TSM in the traditional German style.

AIRLOCK LIDS

These lids have an airlock built in, making fermenting in jars a snap. Just add some water to the airlock, screw down the lid over your veggies, and you’re off! The air-lock allows gases to pass out of the jar, while still maintaining a seal on a the jar.

ADDITIONAL FERMENTING TOOLS

Kraut pounders, cabbage shredders, and more. Take your sauerkraut making to the next level with all the tools you need for a big batch.

If you’ve been fermenting beverages like kefir and kombucha at home, you may be looking for a lightweight, non-reactive container to brew with. Or maybe you’ve made a few batches and you need some bottles to finish and store your creation. We’ve got you covered.

CULTURES

The most basic ferments don’t require a starter culture at all – the bacteria exist naturally on the fruits and vegetables themselves! For all the cultures that don’t come so easily, we have starters and mothers from Cultures for Health and Sourdough International.