Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
My favorite place to be is in the kitchen--cooking, baking, working with dough, experimenting with flavors, creating meals and treats that my family enjoys, preserving a harvest. When I saw the opportunity to review something from Fermentools, I knew it would be perfect for me. This Starter Kit would get me well on my way to a new kitchen hobby by fermenting foods.
Fermentools was started in 2013 and is run by Alex and Cassie Deputie. Their journey toward health began many years ago when Cassie dealt with chronic health conditions and continued as their children faced serious health issues, as well. Through proper nutrition and fermented foods, they were able to find healing for their family. Along with working the company as a family endeavor, they also homeschool. In fact, Cassie is one of my Crew members as part of the Homeschool Review Crew.
I love canning. From jellies to salsas to sauces to diced veggies to chili and more, I preserve well over 100 jars of goodness every year. There is something very rewarding about grabbing a jar of something homemade whenever we need it. But while you can often find me surrounded by dozens of jars, lids, fruits or veggies, water bath or pressure canner, multiple little helpers, and one large mess, I do not have much experience with fermenting foods. Oh, we eat them as I understand the benefits of probiotics and their role in digestion, but I relied on purchased foods. I made my first batch of apple cider vinegar last fall using a drinking glass for a weight and cheesecloth to cover. I was so nervous about mold! But 6-7 weeks later, I had a half gallon of fresh, beneficial vinegar made from scraps from my recent canning adventure. I knew then that I needed to learn the art of fermentation.
This starter kit makes fermenting so simple--way easier than my haphazard method of using things already in my kitchen. It comes with everything you need (minus the jar and the food) to start creating good bacteria.
- 1 Stainless Steel Lid -- 304 surgical stainless steel, corrosion-resistant
- 1 Glass Fermentation Weight -- fits inside wide mouth jar, won't react with food
- 1 Airlock -- keeps oxygen out and carbon dioxide in
- 2 Rubber Stoppers -- 1 with hole for airlock, 1 solid
- 1 Rubber Canning Gasket -- helps create a seal
- Himalayan Powdered Salt -- 16 oz, over 80 trace minerals, dissolves in cold water
The kit also comes with a simple instruction guide that explains how to use the kit, about the fermentation process, and additional tips. It also includes a basic sauerkraut recipe with variation ideas.
The first ferment I tried was that sauerkraut recipe. We almost always have a head of cabbage sitting in our refrigerator, so it seemed like a great choice. I ran it through my food processor and then followed the suggested amount for salt. That's where things can get a little tricky for those who are follow-the-recipe people. I do not measure when I cook--add some of this, a sprinkle of that--seasoning to taste. The recipe instructs to use 1 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of the Himalayan salt, which is quite the range of amount. After weighing my cabbage and following the guide on the salt package, I added approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons. The next step was mashing and squeezing the cabbage to break it down and release the juices. After that, I put it in the jar, added a bit more salt water to cover it, and added the weight, lid, and airlock pieces. The weather was still a bit chilly, so I wrapped the jar in a towel and left it to sit in a corner of the kitchen.
Twelve days later, I removed the lid and enjoyed my first batch of delicious homemade sauerkraut. Better than store-bought in taste, price, and health benefits.
Next, my daughter and I made asparagus spears and played around with the flavors a bit adding minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of red pepper flakes and let it ferment for a week.
They are slightly tangy and different from the way I normally prepare asparagus, but tasty.
The Fermentools website is filled with additional information and recipes. I currently have garlic cloves fermenting (which your nose will remind you if you get near enough to the jar, ha) and is producing all sorts of good, bubbling foam. I'm already making plans for salted lemons and red horseradish sauce. I'm having so much fun that I'm sure I need another fermenting kit or two!
The Starter Kit makes the fermentation process simple for even a beginner. As long as you follow the steps laid out in the instruction guide, you won't have to worry about mold and losing your hard work. The components are high quality and well-made. Things really are much easier when you have the right tools.
If you're like me and can't wait to ferment all the food, you can purchase larger kits and individual pieces. You can also use code Crew2020 to receive a 15% discount through June 30 of this year.
Whether you're new to fermenting or are a seasoned enthusiast, Fermentools has the supplies to help on your food preservation journey.
You can connect with Fermentools on the following social media sites:
You can see more ferments by reading the reviews of this starter kit on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.
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