Fermenting Vegetables
Fermentation is a traditional way of preserving food that has gained new popularity due to the health benefits. Fermented foods add live cultures, probiotics, to our foods.
Lacto-fermentation uses non-chlorinated water, non-iodized salt and vegetables. You’ll need a one-gallon container for each 5 pounds of fresh vegetable. Cucumbers for pickles and sliced cabbage for sauerkraut are some of the more popular fermented vegetables and foods.
This metabolic process converts sugars to acids, gases and in some cases alcohol. The key is keeping the vegetables submerged in the salty brine to keep out oxygen while allowing carbon dioxide and other gases to escape.
Once complete, move the fermented food into the refrigerator. Fermented foods can be canned, but you will lose the live probiotics during the canning process.
A bit more information: Cucumbers are believed to be the first fermented food. Written accounts from 2000 BC mention cucumber pickles.
Related


Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 7-9, 2025
PBS Wisconsin's
Garden & Green Living Expo
Madison, WI
Feb. 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Organic Insect Pest Management for Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More