Can you make fermented, oil-stored Giardiniera at home?

Can you make fermented, oil-stored Giardiniera at home? - Chef preparing dough for cooking in kitchen

I'm wanting to try to make Chicago-style giardiniera at home. However, some food-safety site says that

The Italian condiment, Giardiniera, CANNOT be made safely at home. This mixture of raw, hot peppers and vegetables in an oil base can support the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Therefore low-acid foods, such as vegetables, that are mixed with oil must be kept refrigerated. They can be kept refrigerated for up to 10 days. Commercially prepared products contain specific levels of microbial inhibitors or acidifying vegetables for use in an oil-based product in the home environment.

Most recipes I look up for fermented giard are touting it's mystic gut-flora curative powers, and don't discuss storing it under oil. The oil recipes I find just have the vegetables soaked in brine for a day, while refrigerated, so practically nothing microbial is going to happen there.

As to the warnings, I'm not sure if the "low-acid foods [...] that support the growth of Clostridium" include fermented vegetables. From what I can tell, fermented vegetables are more likely to be attacked (in the short-term) by mold, and only if oxygen gets in.

The "proper" Chicago recipe is cited in the Tribune article as broadly:

According to Shay of Local Foods, making Chicago-style giardiniera is a two-step process. "First, you pickle the vegetables," he says. Then, "you drain everything, and then cover (the vegetables) with oil." Shay lets the vegetables pickle for two weeks before tossing them in the oil, where he leaves them to infuse for another two weeks.

My question is basically, what is the expected shelf-life/hazards (refrigerated or not) if I do that (2 week ferment, drain, oil, 2 week infuse).



Best Answer

If it's pickled properly (i.e. a successful lacto-fermentation, in this case) it's no longer low acid (you could even check the pH post-pickling to be sure.) It's been acidified (kinda the whole point of pickling...)

So, mixing raw (as in not processed) vegetables and oil is not the same as mixing pickled (but not cooked) vegetables and oil. Or that's the way I see it...but I'd probably still leave it in the fridge once oil got involved.

Edit: but I'd not be too concerned about shelf-life in the fridge - as an acid (not supporting botulism) food similar to sauerkraut, refrigerated life should approach "indefinite."




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Can you ferment giardiniera?

Fermented giardiniera can be made as a quick fermented pickle. Or it can be stored in a cool location, to ferment for up to 6 months. If you want to store your fermented vegetables for longer than a few weeks, there are a few extra precautions that you need to take. Be sure that your jars are clean and sanitized.

How do you make giardiniera oil?

Use 1 cup of good quality olive oil and 1 cup of white vinegar. Some Chicago style giardiniera brands use only oil. If you prefer no vinegar, replace it with water or more oil. Seasonings.

Is giardiniera good for gut health?

The nice thing about Giardiniera is that is has a bounty of vegetables for lots of crunch and a variety of flavors. Plus, since this version is fermented, it also provides a good dose of probiotics that are wonderful for good gut health!

Are giardiniera peppers good for you?

High in Vitamin C and antioxidants such as Beta-carotene. A rich source of dietary fiber. Improves blood pressure and kidney function.



How to Make Fermented Giardiniera - Probiotic Rich Italian Pickle Relish




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