​From Sauerkraut to Kimchi: Essential Fermenting Jar Projects for Beginners

If you're looking for a low-cost, effective and delicious way to boost your health, look no further than fermenting! This natural process is one of the oldest food preservation methods on record and it's also incredibly healthy, creating nutrient-dense accompaniments that help to support your gut bacteria.

Even better, fermenting is easy and fun, and it requires very little in the way of equipment. In fact, you can make most fermenting projects with basic glass jars. Let's take a closer look.

What is fermenting?

Fermenting is a natural process that uses the microorganisms found on food to break down carbohydrates and turn them into naturally preserving alcohols and sugars. This natural biochemical process takes oxygen out of the equation and allows the foods to become naturally preserved through fermentation.

Why should you ferment food?

Fermentation is one of the oldest processes of preserving foods in the world, and it was used for millennia at a time when cold storage and chemicals weren't available to preserve fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy products and meat. Today fermentation is recognised for its health benefits, as the natural process creates highly beneficial bacteria which help to support gut health. Fermented foods also taste absolutely delicious and add a wonderfully zingy taste to food! Think of sauerkraut with sausages or pickles with a Ploughman's.

What are the benefits of fermenting food?

Fermented foods are natural, healthy and packed with beneficial bacteria which support good gut health. They also release nutrients from food, making them more bioavailable and displacing pathogens. Research shows that the benefits of fermenting food include a lowered risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improved mood, better gut health and immunity and even weight loss. Fermented food is also far cheaper to make yourself than it is to buy, and it's great fun to do. In fact, as you build your skills and experience with fermentation, you'll find there's a whole world of recipes to try.

Recipes for fermenting in glass jars

Grab a sterilised glass jar and have a go at some of the most basic fermentation projects to get you started. Sauerkraut is an obvious choice. You basically shred cabbage and knead it with salt to release water from the cabbage leaves, which creates a brine. The cabbage is then stored in a #glassjar in the brine, and it ferments over a few days to weeks, depending on how strong you like the flavour. Here's a great recipe to follow: https://homestead-honey.com/how-to-make-sauerkraut/.

You can also make vegetable pickles very quickly and easily as ready accompaniment to cold meats, cheeses and sandwiches, and they keep their lovely crunchy taste whilst adding zing and health benefits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/quick_pickles_88178.

For something a little different, why not try making kefir? It's very trendy and tastes a little like yoghurt, but with a tangier, livelier taste which is a testament to all of its good bacteria. You need to buy kefir grains which are easily found online, but once you've bought them you can wash and reuse them. Here's a good recipe to try: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/homemade-kefir?IGNORE_GEO_REDIRECT_GLOBAL=true&v=596719948.

How long do fermented foods last in the glass jars?

Fermented foods can last for months once they have been placed in a cool and dark place. Sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers can last up to a year in a cool place, brine fermented vegetables can last for a few months, but they do tend to become softer and more acidic over time, so a month in the fridge is a good rule of thumb. Chutney, salsa and relish will last for three months in the fridge, and they can also be frozen. Kimchi is usually eaten as a fresh dish within a week, but it can also last for a year in cold storage in a well-sterilised glass jar.

Stocking up on #fermentingjars

The great news is that you can buy a wide selection of fermenting glass jars at Wares of Knutsford, all with excellent prices, fast delivery and the superb customer service that we're renowned for! There are plenty of different sizes to suit your needs and space, and you'll find them readily categorised, with specific fermenting jars here!

And we offer plenty of general glass storage jars which are also suitable for fermentation projects. Buy in bulk for gifting, craft fairs or kitchen table businesses, and you'll save money too, as we offer unit cost discounts on bulk orders.

Share your projects

We love seeing what our customers get up to with their Wares of Knutsford products, so why not share any photos you take of your fermentation projects and we'll share them on social media with the Wares community. Sign up to our newsletter too for the latest news, product releases, inspiration and offers to get the most out of the Wares experience.