Fermenting Crocks

[randi]

Does anyone know of a good priced fermenting crock with the weighing stones? I like to make sauerkraut and pickles (would love to try other veggies soon too) and I use mason jars or old bubbie's jars. I want something much larger with weights.  Some crocks are uber expensive.

Thanks!

[EJ]

I don't have any suggestions, but I've heard you can buy them through gardening stores

[saragrambusch]

I've never used the crocks...they are expensive...I just use large mason jars and have glass weights that fit in there.

[queenamideana]

I bought a handmade one off etsy. I had priced some out on amazon for over $100! This one was about $50, and even though it is still kinda pricey, I like the look of it and the fact that it is hand made and one if a kind. I just got it the other day so I haven't started any kraut yet, but I'll let ya know when I do and how it turns out!

[robinf]

We tried an expensive crock but actually have had better luck using a jar with a second jar that fits in the mouth of the larger jar, to weight and compress the contents. One issue with the crock is that if a batch goes bad (for example, develops mold due to incomplete seal), you're out a lot of materials and considerable time spent shredding and packing cabbage. It's a real disappointment. Smaller batches seem to work better for us.

[rachelpower]

i have heard that if a batch made in a crock gets mould, you have to throw out the crock. that's one of the reasons i prefer to make anaerobic ferments in pickl-it jars.


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[deadcandance]

With the pickl-it jar, do you still need to weigh the vegetables down ?

Jun 18, 2014 17:20:18 GMT -5 rachelpower said:

i have heard that if a batch made in a crock gets mould, you have to throw out the crock. that's one of the reasons i prefer to make anaerobic ferments in pickl-it jars.


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[rachelpower]

i do weigh down my veg, but when i use pickl-its plus starter culture, bits of shredded veg that escape & float are no prob. i think you could very successfully make fermented condiments too, but haven't tried it.


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[brandilynn]

I use fido jars for my kraut and they let the ferment off gas and the gasses that build up make it so the ferment does not have to stay under the brine. You can get them from a bunch of different places, TjMaxx, and Ross, but my local Kroger grocery store has them as well and often for buy 2 get 3 sorts of deals.

picture below of what I mean when I say a fido jar, in case its helpful.

www.crateandbarrel.com/fido-jars-with-clamp-lids/f33489

I also save the ferment juice when I break into a jar and save in refrigerator and use some of that in a new batch to help kick off the fermenting.

[kendra]

I would also love to hear how the etsy crock worked for you.

And LOVE the fido jars - great share! Thanks