Fermenting Fun for Friendsgiving: A Probiotic-Packed Prep Adventure

Hey there, Friendsgiving enthusiasts! As the autumn breeze sweeps in, bringing with it the vibrant hues of the season, it's time to dive into the world of fermenting for a uniquely flavorful Friendsgiving feast. Sous Weed, aka Monica Lo, just kicked off her Friendsgiving prep, and the star of the show? Colorful veggies straight from the farmers market!

A Rainbow of Flavors in Every Pouch

Chayote, purple long beans, romanesco broccoli, and more. . .the palette of colors alone is enough to get us excited about the upcoming festivities. But, here's the twist — Monica is not just prepping these veggies; she's giving them a probiotic boost through the wonders of lacto fermentation. 

Preserving Autumn's Bounty

Lacto fermentation is a fantastic way to preserve the harvest, infuse your veggies with unique flavors, and amp up the gut-friendly probiotics. The best part? It's easier than you might think, especially with a trusty vacuum sealer by your side.

Quick Rundown of the Process

1. Wash and Weigh

Start by giving your veggies a good wash. Then, weigh them, and here's where the magic number comes in — 2% of the weight is in salt. Toss them together to let the natural juices be drawn out. 

2. Spice it Up

Now, the fun part. Seal the deal with additional spices or aromatics. Think of it as creating a symphony of flavors that will unfold during the fermentation journey.

3. Airtight Bliss

Enter the vacuum sealer. Monica uses the Avid Armor USV20 chamber vacuum sealer for this step. Seal the veggies in a chamber pouch, creating an airtight environment for fermentation. This not only ensures a controlled fermentation process but also keeps the veggies fully submerged in their own brine.

4. Nature's Magic

Find a cool, dark spot to stow away your fermenting gems and let nature work its magic. It's like a culinary time capsule, transforming ordinary veggies into probiotic-rich delights.

5. Daily Check-ins

Give your ferments some love by checking in daily. If the bag is puffed up with gas, release it and re-seal. It's like tending to your own little garden of probiotic wonders.

6. Taste the Transformation

Around day 5 or 6, plan to taste your creations. But hey, if they look as great as hers does, you might be tempted to dive in even sooner. 

Friendsgiving prep just got a whole lot more exciting, wouldn't you say? These fermented veggies are not just a side dish; they're a culinary adventure, a testament to sustainable living, and a flavorful addition to your festive table.

So, grab those veggies, fire up the vacuum sealer, and let the fermentation festivities begin! Your Friendsgiving guests are in for a treat that's not just delicious but packed with a punch of probiotic goodness. 

Happy fermenting!