To make pickles get some ball fermenting lids, like this and then look up a pickle recipe. I would pack the jar full of cukes, add like a head of pealed garlic, a few diced hot peppers, maybe some ginger. Fill with water and salt and then cap it and let it go to work. You take the total weight of the ingredients, including water, and add anywhere from 2 - 4% salt. In a week or two you have pickles.
The weights are important. Or otherwise something to keep the goods under liquid. Ball came out with these springs recently and I like them, but a well sized small jar, rock or bowl works too.
Ball Fermentation Lids and Springs, 32oz, Metal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CZ7FHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_GTHQKYB59YVGNJRH35Q8
Yes, if you aren't using any sort of airlock, you'll need to keep it at least a little cracked or make sure you burp it often. Airlocks come in a few different designs but they all are made to let air get out but don't allow air to get in, thus preventing mold from forming. I drilled holes in plastic wide-mouth lids, inserted rubber gaskets, and use brewing airlocks for most of my ferments, but there are store bought versions as well. Amazon has the "nipple" type but I haven't had much success with those. I'm currently trying "Ball" brand fermentation lids on a sauerkraut batch and dill pickle chip batch right now. I can't speak to the quality of these yet but, here's the link to that.
Let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll be happy to try to help.
I second that about the Ball Fermentation kit . The springs work alright and are less messy, though I use the water lock lids more. Especially if it's a very active fermentation, I feel the water lock can handle more of the gasses.
This is what I used to do too, but after getting cheap airlocks and these it’s nice to not have to remember.
But I do kinda miss cracking the jar open to get that sweet sweet release of gasses.
Glass ferment weights from amazon, have also just started a new ferment to try out the ball fermentation kit.
If going the bag route, use same % brine inside instead of just water.
Looks similar to the Ball Fermentation Lids for mason jars but this doesn’t keep the air out.
For reference- Ball Fermentation Lids and Springs, 32oz, Metal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CZ7FHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K52B0Y396CEDS3TWRVJJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ball Fermentation Lids and Springs, 32oz, Metal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CZ7FHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_08033Z7088TGSKJHXAKR It’s the ball fermentation lid and spring! They fit on any wide mouth jar. My only complaint is that some peppers/vegetables will occasionally escape the spring and float to the top, if they’re cut too small.
A bit more expensive on Amazon (cheap at target but assuming you aren’t US).
Ball Fermentation Lids and Springs, 32oz, Metal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084CZ7FHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H6VJRB1HGM2FCKK1M0E3
They just screw onto any standard wide mouth jar.
If you have wide mouth mason quart canning jars, then this can work. I use them. The springs don't react as they are quality stainless and you don't need additional fermentation weights.
I was using that same airlock lid, i then replaced it with the ball lid https://smile.amazon.com/Ball-Fermentation-Lids-Springs-Metal/dp/B084CZ7FHM?sa-no-redirect=1
Typically when i sample something, i use the pump again to remove the air, but this time i used the non pump airlock
Ball jar that comes with the steel spring and fermentation lid works really well.
https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Fermentation-Lids-Springs-Metal/dp/B084CZ7FHM
Try these. Auto-burping, no flys. I love mine. No papertowels over and over.
IF the starter does escape it can through the tiny holes in the top.
Try these. Auto-burping, no flys. I love mine.
IF the starter does escape it can through the tiny holes in the top.
Ball sells fermentation lids that include a spring and gas valve, but they're limited to mason jars or similarly threaded vessels.
I bought this from Walmart. It comes with stainless steel springs made specifically for fermenting. I haven't used it yet, but reviews say they work well.
FYI the bottle was filled with peppers but they get compressed as they become wet
Using this brand https://smile.amazon.com/Ball-Fermentation-Lids-Springs-Metal/dp/B084CZ7FHM?sa-no-redirect=1