I admit that I'm coveting one of those gorgeous ceramic fermentation crocks, either a classic old-school model from Germany or a pretty handmade version from a local potter. But we're talking a major investment here, somewhere around $175-$200. It's a lifetime investment purchase, I know, but I just don't have that kind of cash. So I was thrilled when I discovered that Erica of Northwest Edible came with an alternative plan that comes in at around $10.
You may remember that we featured Erica's great tip on how to determine the ripeness of an avocado. She's done it again with this handy guide on how to create a fermentation vessel out of a mason jar and a few items purchased at a craft brew store (or online).
The most expensive thing in her setup is the reCAP Mason Jar Cap for $6.99 (which also has many other uses) as well as an airlock and bung for about $3.00. Fit these together on the top of a mason jar crammed with shredded cabbage and salt and soon you will have your very own homemade sauerkraut!
Get the full story here: How to Turn a Mason Jar into a Fermenting Crock from Erica of Northwest Edible Life
Related: The art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
(Image: Northwest Edible Life)
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this is a little more $ but comes complete and all you have to do is place it atop a wide mouth mason jar. it works great! http://www.culturesforhealth.com/perfect-pickler.html
You really don't need this for most ferments, and definitely not for sauerkraut. All you need is something to weigh down the cabbage or whatever else your fermenting to keep submerged. A ziploc bag filled with water works great, or a dish, a smaller jar filled with water.
I like to use those bamboo cocktail sticks (like these only cheaper at any ole asia mart) and shove it horizontal into the jar.
I've done the plastic bag-o-brine thing (Brine, in case it leaks) with great success. I also have glass jars that I rescued from restaurant recycles that will fit a plate. You can make a vessel out of any reasonably sized container that you can sterilize. But if you already had these things around the house, this would be awesome.
A cheaper version of this is to buy the airlock and a small rubber grommet sized to the bottom of the airlock (usually 50¢ or less). Drill a hole in a standard canning lid and insert the grommet and airlock. You can replace the lids yearly as they degrade. Found this online but I don't remember where.
I use old wine jugs. They're free! You do need to pick up the drilled rubber stoppers and airlocks from the brew supply shop though.