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If someone cares about you enough to give you the Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit for Christmas, that's a truly priceless gift. At first glance you may only see wood, silicone and glass shapes, but what you're really looking at is an opportunity to improve your health and overall wellbeing.
If you're new to the concept of at-home fermentation, you probably have a lot of questions about what fermentation is and how you're supposed to use your new gift. Sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles are all examples of lacto-fermented foods, which is a type of fermentation Masontops specializes in. We're going to give you a quick run-down to get you on your way to a healthier new you.
What is Fermentation?
No one answers this question better than Sandor Katz. Sandor is a famous fermentation expert and author of Wild Fermentation and The Art of Fermentation. He has helped bring fermentation to the forefront of the health food industry.
What are the Health Benefits of Fermented Food?
The health benefits of fermented foods are likely one of the main reasons you were gifted fermentation tools. Although fermented foods are delicious (a little sour and savory), they are one of the healthiest things you can eat. If you want the full scoop on all of the health benefits of fermented food, click here for another video with Sandor Katz. Otherwise, here's the long-short of why fermented foods are good for you:
In other words, fermented foods are amazing. They're loaded with good bacteria and probiotics that work wonders on your body if coupled with a balanced diet.
Where Do I Start?
Start with fermenting vegetables! Vegetables hold everything needed for a ferment, minus salt and water. There aren't many rules on how to start fermenting, but there are two you must follow: do not use salt with iodine and do not use water with chlorine. Sea salt, Himalayan salt, and many others are fine, just stay away from table salt. It's easy to remove chlorine from tap water, but when in doubt just use spring water. Iodine and chlorine will inhibit your ferment and leave you with disappointing results.
Here's an explanation of wild fermentation from Sandor Katz and why you should start with fermenting vegetables.
Your First Recipe
Is sauerkraut! Don't like it? You will when you can can customize the flavor. Still not sold? Try our Dilly Sticks, they're easy to make and an easy palate pleaser.
No one makes sauerkraut better than Sandor Katz. Seriously: his nickname is actually Sandor Kraut, so you really can't go wrong taking tips from him. We've broken down his tutorial into 3 videos for easy learning:
Step 1: Salt and Massage Chopped Cabbage
Step 2: Pack, Weight and Vent Your Cabbage
Step 3: Wait!
Fermenting is Fun, Delicious and Cost-Effective
Nothing tastes better than homemade. For most people, fermenting turns into a fulfilling hobby that benefits their entire family. It's very exciting to await the results of a new recipe and share it with people you love. If you're already hooked on fermented foods, making your own is a great way to save money: gourmet fermented foods are pricey! One day, you may even find yourself wrapping up a Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit for someone you love.
Get Lost Along the Way?
Masontops is here to help. You can contact us at any point along your ferment with any questions. Keep in mind your Complete Fermentation Kit comes with a Fermentation Guide. If you misplace it, you can signup for our mailing list and we'll give you access to a digital one: sign up here. For those of you who are curious about the Complete Fermentation Kit, you can learn more about what sets it aside from our other combo offerings here.
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