Preparing Home-pickled Beets Through Fermentation Process
Spice Up Your Eats: A Laid-Back Guide to Making Lactic-Fermented Beets
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Who knew that humble beetroot could be transformed into a tangy, probiotic-rich condiment that elevates your everyday meals? Give this simple lactic-fermented beets recipe a shot, and turn your mealtime into a health-boosting adventure!
What’s All the Fuss About: Lactic Acid Fermentation
Lactic acid fermentation, also known as lacto-fermentation, is an easy, safe process that takes sugar found in food and changes it into lactic acid using lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria already live on the food, and they thrive in an oxygen-poor, salty environment.
Why go lactic-fermentation, you ask?
- Safety: The acidity produced keeps yucky bacteria at bay.
- Health: The probiotics and easily-absorbed nutrients in these fermented beetroot will do wonders for your immune system and digestion.
- Flavor: The zesty, gourmet flavor will take your recipes to the next level!
After lactic-fermentation, you can keep your beetroot reserve for months in the jar – as long as it stays tightly sealed.
Picking Your Poison: Choosing the Right Water
You can use tap water to set up your fermentations, but remember that the chlorine contained in that H2O can disrupt the fermentation process. To stay on the safe side, try filtering the water or leave it open for 30 minutes to an hour to let the chlorine evaporate naturally. Read more on: The Skinny on Fermentation Water
Recipe for Lactic-Fermented Beets
Servings: 1 500ml JarPrep Time: 10 minutesFermentation Time: 3 weeks (taste after the first week)
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw, peeled beetroot
- 2 teaspoons natural sea salt
- Filtered water, as needed
Equipment
- 1 Le Parfait-style, 500ml lever glass jar
- 1 Pair of kitchen gloves
- 1 Vegetable peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 glass for diluting salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Beets
- Put on some gloves if you don't fancy pink hands.
- Peel the beetroot and chop into 1cm / 0.4 inch cubes.
Step 2: Packing the Jar
- Stuff the beetroot cubes tightly into a clean, dry jar.
- Add the salt to the jar.
- Top up with water to cover the beetroot.
- Shake the jar to speed things up.
Step 3: The Waiting Game
- Close the jar with its seal and store it at room temperature.
- After three weeks, it's time to taste the tangy delights!
Sauerkraut-Style Option
- For a slaw-like texture, slice the beetroot as you would for sauerkraut.
- Mix it with 2 teaspoons of salt and massage to extract the juice.
- Pack it tightly into the jar, then top up with the juice obtained.
Add a Kick: Seasoning Suggestions
- Chili flakes: A sprinkle of these adds heat to your fermented beets.
- Cumin seeds: This earthy spice brings a warm, comforting flavor.
- Ginger: A touch of ginger gives a zesty twist to your beets.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Hygiene Time: Make sure your jars and tools are squeaky clean to prevent contamination.
- Water and Salt: Select chlorine-free water and natural sea salt without additional additives – these ingredients will team up for fermentation success!
- Beware the Overflow: The fermented gases can cause liquid overflow. Always place the jar on a plate to take care of possible spills, especially if you're using bright red beetroot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage Concerns
- Once opened, stash your jar in the fridge. With the natural acidification of fermentation, your beetroot will keep for weeks or even months.
- Always use clean, dry tools to handle the beetroot. This keeps them fresh for longer.
Slime City?
- A slightly slimy or sticky brine might appear in your fermented beets. Don't fret – it's harmless. Stir the beets into a soup and they remain safe to eat.
Mix and Match
- Go ahead and mix and match vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or radishes to create custom fermented combinations.
Get Cookin'!
- Top Products for This Recipe:
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- Difficulties in Fermentation: Some Veggies Require Extra Care
- By incorporating lactic-fermented beets into your food-and-drink choices, you can boost the nutrition and flavor in your health-and-wellness-focused lifestyle.
- The lacto-fermented beets provide probiotics, nutrients, and a zesty flavor that can enhance your cooking and recipes, particularly in the realm of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition.
- When you're done with lactic-fermentation, you can preserve the beets in a tightly sealed jar for a considerable period, making mealtime preparations a part of your sustainable lifestyle.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as chili flakes, cumin seeds, and ginger to add an extra kick to your lacto-fermented beets, expanding your horizons in food-and-drink and cooking.
