Fermenting beets is an easy and fun way to add probiotics, unique flavors, and texture to your dishes. Follow the simple steps of submerging in brine, storing in a cool dark place for 1-3 weeks, then transferring & refrigerating. Enjoy delicious fermented beets for months! Below is a quick list and beyond that more detailed explanation of how to ferment beets
Preparation
- Gather fresh beets.
- Clean your beets under running water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Peel the beets, if desired, for a smoother texture.
Cutting
- Slice your beets into small, uniform pieces to ensure even fermentation.
Brine Preparation
- Dissolve sea salt in filtered water to make a brine solution.
Jar Preparation
- Sterilize the jar you’ll use for fermentation.
Filling The Jar
- Place the beet slices in the jar.
- Pour the brine over the beets, making sure they are fully submerged.
Fermentation Process
- Cover the jar loosely to allow gases to escape.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1-3 weeks
- Check the jar daily to ensure beets remain submerged and to release pressure.
Testing and Storing
- After a week, taste the beets to see if they’ve fermented to your liking.
- Once satisfied with the level of fermentation, tighten the jar lid and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Beet fermentation is a simple yet rewarding process that brings out the earthy sweetness of this root vegetable, while also adding the tangy depth of flavor characteristic of fermented foods. Here’s a more indepth step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preparation in more depth
The first step is to gather fresh beets. Ensure they are firm and free from blemishes. Cleaning is crucial – wash your beets under running water to remove any dirt and debris. You can peel the beets if you prefer a smoother texture, but this is optional.
Cutting
Next, slice your beets into small, uniform pieces. This ensures an even fermentation process. It will also speed up the fermentation process.
Brine Preparation
To prepare the brine, dissolve sea salt in filtered water. This saline solution acts as a haven for good bacteria and a deterrent for those bacteria that could spoil your beets.
The correct brine solution for beets to ferment safely is a mixture of water, salt and spices. The ratio for the brine solution is 1 tablespoon (14g) of sea salt per cup (250mL) of water. This ratio should be adjusted depending on the size of your jar. Remember to use non-chlorinated or filtered water as chlorine can interfere with fermentation.
Jar Preparation
Sterilize the jar you’ll be using for the fermentation process. This is crucial to eliminate any existing bacteria or yeast that might affect the fermentation. To sterilize your jars, you can use boiling water, a hot oven or a dishwasher.
To use boiling water: fill a large pot with water and place your sterilized jar inside. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the jar from the boiling water, and let it cool before proceeding with the fermentation process.
To use the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place your jar on the center rack and heat for 30 minutes. Remove the jar from the oven and let it cool before proceeding with the fermentation process
To use the dishwasher Place your jar in the dishwasher and run a cycle using the hottest water temperature. Remove the jar from the dishwasher once it has finished and let it cool before proceeding with the fermentation process.
Filling The Jar
Add spices such as bay leaves, garlic cloves, peppercorns, or dill to taste. Then place the beet slices in your jar. Pour your brine solution over the beets, making sure they are fully submerged. This prevents the growth of mold or harmful bacteria. You can use glass fermentation weights if you have them. If not, even a well-washed rock will work. Just be sure the beets and added spices are submerged.
If you want to keep your beets crispy include bay leaf for the tannins. Other herbs that can help your beets stay crispy are juniper berries, all spices, cloves and caraway seeds. Fermenting your beets with these herbs will give them a unique flavor that you can enjoy for months to come.
You can also experiment with adding other vegetables such as carrots or radish to the brine solution in which your beets are fermenting. This will allow you to create a variety of flavors and textures for your fermented beets.
The fermentation process is a simple one that anyone can do with a little practice. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best results for you and your family. With a little patience, dedication, and creativity, you can create delicious, fermented beets that bring unique flavor to all of your dishes.
Fermentation Process
Cover the jar loosely to allow gases to escape during the fermentation process. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for one to three weeks. Check the jar daily to ensure the beets remain submerged and to release pressure.
You will know it is fermenting when the brine bubbles within the jar. This is caused by carbon dioxide being released during the fermentation process. This may take anywhere between a few days to several weeks.
Once the fermentation process is complete, transfer your beets to mason jars. Be sure to fill the mason jar with enough of the remaining brine solution so that the beets are completely covered in it, and store them in the refrigerator.
Testing and Storing
After about a week, taste the beets to determine if they’ve been fermented to your liking. Once you’re satisfied with the level of fermentation, tighten the jar lid and store your fermented beets in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for months to come as an accompaniment to meals, adding a flavorful punch and probiotic boost.
Conclusion
The fermentation process of beets is easy and fun to do, allowing you to add probiotics, unique flavors, and texture to your dishes. So get started today and enjoy!
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or medications including herbs.
For a guide to growing your own beets check here.
For information on pickling check here.
Resource : https://ucanr.edu/sites/inyomonomfp/Safe_Food_Preservation/Fermentation/