This simple device is wonderful way to make lacto-fermented pickles at home. It fits on any standard wide-mouth canning jar (such as Ball or Mason brand), and attaches using the ring that came with the jar. As long as the mouth of the jar is the right diameter, this will work with any size, from small to large capacity. This works exactly as it is supposed it and is incredibly easy to figure out. The internal plate presses evenly and keeps everything submerged— no need for other tricks like rocks, smaller jars filled with water, or breakable ceramic disks. We also love that the lid doesn't take up much space like a standard large fermentation crock would, so fermentation enthusiasts can store multiple projects at once. Plus, with the adjustable size, it's easy to use when making smaller batches for those just starting to dip their toes in pickling or when trying out a new recipe for the first time. It’s an added bonus that, once fermentation is complete, your pickles are already in a storage jar. Simply remove the lid ring and krautsource lid, then top with the jars normal lid and screw on the ring. Ready to store in your fridge! Note: Each Kraut Source product comes with a booklet of helpful instructions and recipes to get you started on your fermentation adventures. It’s smart to use recipes for fermentation, to make sure the salt levels are appropriate for preventing the growth of bad bacteria— we only want the good stuff!
We test everything we sell. Here’s how we’d use this.
Only compatible with a wide-mouth canning jar. Use to make homemade pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut and more. After packing your prepped vegetables into your jar, you top with the assembled krautsource lid and screw on tight with the jar’s lid ring. You then turn the metal loop on the kraut source lid, which unlocks the metal press inside the jar. A spring presses the flat metal disk onto the surface of the veggies, making sure they stay submerged in the brine. The “moat” at the top of the kraut source lid is filled with water and then the giant thimble-shaped cup is placed over the hole, with the bottom rim submerged in the “moat.” This allows gasses out (they can escape up through the top, through the water) but keeps airborn nasties out. Without this style of topper, you need to let the gases out of your jar regularly to prevent pressure from building up inside. (you do need to peek at it to make sure the water level doesn’t drop due to evaporation)
A mason jar is _not_ included with this product. A jar with wide-mouth opening (diameter of 86 mm) is required to work with Kraut Source. You will also need the ring that came with your jar to attach the lid.