Fermentation Nation

[MBMorgan]

texastweeter and klflowers - here is the crock that I have. It’s pretty big, but I like to make a good size batch of kraut when I go about this. I’ve also used this for pickles a number of times. As long as you ensure there is enough liquid covering whatever it is you are fermenting, you can have some air space in the pot with no issues in my experience. Weights or zip bags with brined liquid work to keep things covered. As Polarbear mentions, this does have a water lock seal around the edge, I live in the high desert so I check it daily since it’s out near my coffee machine and add as needed. Very easy to maintain when in use.

When done fermenting, I remove the contents from the crock and store in mason jars (wide mouth) and hold in the fridge. I have not truly canned anything that I have fermented, as I usually will go through the batch quickly between my family and what I give to friends. So, that’s where a big fermenting crock is nice. I think I usually buy 6-8 heads of cabbage when I ferment for kraut and this thing is full to start and starts to move down a few days later.

I’ve really enjoyed this crock and it’s a nice conversational piece on the counter where we have it stored. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I use the same … albeit slightly smaller, I think … crock and it does indeed work great. Here in dry-as-a-bone Colorado, I keep a "shower cap" bowl cover on it to keep from having to constantly refill the rather shallow water lock seal around the lid. Also works great.

[jhapka]

My favorite time of year for fermentation is here. Fresh jalapeños/chipotles poblanos/anchos bell peppers onion and garlic. Trying these in vacuum pump jars instead of self burping jars with one way water lids. New sauerkraut crock. Kombucha and sourdough starter. The kitchen is alive with critters

[acorgihouse]

Man, that looks like a serious multilayer SCOBY!

[Prof Bunky]

Could you use a slow cooker crock for small batches? Just have enough liquid and keep it covered?

[acorgihouse]

I would think you could use the crock, just want to ensure you don't mean using the cooker itself. The heat would kill off the microbes.

[jhapka]

You could probably use it as a dry crock as long as it doesn't have a steam hole in the lid. It won't have a water lock so it will let air in