Water seal vs open crock pickles
I was lent a crock with a water seal lip, which was used for making sauerkraut. I want to use it for making pickles, which I have usually done by placing a cloth over the crock. Searching for information online, I can only find that I'm less likely have foam/scum to skim off. Curious as to what other differences I can expect? Or is the anaerobic environment not make a difference? Thanks!
Best Answer
As long as your vegetables are submerged, you will be fine and there really is no difference. You will likely need to place something on top to keep the vegetables under the brine. Often a "pickling crock" will come with weights that fit inside, but anything will work. By way of example, I simply use one of these containers for my vegetables and brine. Then I fill a second with water, and place it on top. That keeps the vegetables from floating, and limits the formation of mold on top of the ferment.
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Quick Answer about "Water seal vs open crock pickles"
This option works best for small crocks. Ferments in open crocks can pick up some musty basement aromas, so water-sealed crocks are a better choice for basement storage. Once you've put your crock into the cooler climes, you can remove small amounts to store in the fridge (in a jar) and consume.What is a water seal crock?
A water-sealed fermentation crock or a sauerkraut crock is a stoneware pot that is used to prepare fermented food. It holds cabbages and vegetables in a brine solution and comes with a sealed top. The difference from a sealed crockpot to an open one is a moat around the opening where the lid fits on.How do you use a water seal in crock?
After a water-sealed crock is packed, two half-circle weights are placed into the crock to keep your ferment submerged. Then, the lid is placed into an open moat which is then filled with water. Now, outside air is prevented from entering the crock and carbon dioxide gases created during fermentation easily bubble out.What can I use instead of a crock for pickles?
Fermenting pickles in a crock is very easy to do and you don't even have to own a crock or a barrel. You can use a large plastic or glass container like a gallon size mason jar. Or a plastic food grade tub.What is a pickle crock?
Authentic Stoneware Crock for Pickling and Fermenting With a classic design that is both decorative and functional, this stoneware fermentation crock provides a time-tested vessel for transforming cucumbers into crunchy homemade pickles, as well as making sauerkraut, kimchi and other gourmet fermented treats.Fermenting Crocks Compared; Open Crock vs Water Sealing Crock
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