If you are a faithful reader of this blog then you are probably wondering what I am talking about. This is truly random, however, I will be here tomorrow with a tour of Quilt Market.
Here’s a quick recap. During September and October, I’ve been studying how to anaerobically ferment to store fruits and veggies. This is the way our ancestors did it ~ using salt, not vinegar. Think vats of sauerkraut to hold you through the long Russian winter.
Fermenting foods this way insures I achieve a high concentration of lactic acid which will inhibit bacterial growth. Eating lacto-fermented foods can improve your health dramatically.
I ferment in Pickl-It jars to keep out the bad bacteria (salmonella, e-coli, botulism, etc.). These jars cost $$$$, so I figured out a way to make my own.
If you want to know more about anaerobic fermentation, visit Divine Health or Lisa’s Counter Culture. They are the experts, I am a remedial student.
However, I do have something to contribute to the conversation. I have hacked the system and figured out how to make a something that will work just as well as a Pickl-It and at a fraction of the cost.
SUPPLY LIST:
1. The Jars
You need to purchase Fido brand jars because they are lead-free and have a vulcanized rubber seal. They are available at Crate and Barrel or Amazon. I found mine at TJ Maxx. I have a friend who rounded up a bunch at Marshall’s. I’ve even seen them at Home Goods.
The most important thing to remember is that they are Fido brand jars.
My stash didn’t even cost me $50 (less than the cost of 2 Pickl It’s).
2. Hitachi 5/8” Diamond Coated Drill Bit
We purchased our bit at Lowes for $26.20. I will give more details about how the bit works below. Just stay with me.
3. Airlock Grommets
I purchased these through a company called Grainger. The part number is 3MRR8 and they come 5/package for $9.26. If you have a Grainger's in your city, they will ship for free and you can pick them up. FYI ~ They don’t usually keep them in stock.
4. 3-Piece Airlocks and Stoppers
Both of these items were purchased through Austin Homebrew Supply. The part number for the 3-piece airlock is #01302 and it costs $1.29/each. The part number for the stopper is # 01305 and it costs $.40/each.
The stoppers aren't a perfect fit, but they should work. You can always get them from Pickl-It if you prefer a perfect fit.
Most brewing supply stores will carry these exact same items.
THE PROCESS:
1. Remove the Fido jar lid from the jar.
2. Remove the baling wire from the Fido lid.
3. Using a fine point Sharpie, mark the center point on the lid.
Draw a 5/8” circle around the dot. We used an inexpensive template for this. You can get these at hardware stores for under $5.
4. Set up the drill by putting in the bit. Mr. SH has a drill press and this made the task very simple.
If you don’t have a drill press, you may want to see if a friend or neighbor has one.
It should still work with a hand-held drill. You will need make some adjustments, however.
UPDATE: I have just learned that Dremel makes a couple of tools that sell for plus/minus $50. These tools will convert your Dremel into a drill press. See them here and here.
5. Whatever drill type you use, you will need a way for the bit to pass through. A drill press has this; if using a hand-held drill, be sure to allow for this.
6. Line up the circle that you drew in #3 above with the drill bit. Place lid on the drill press surface (or whatever you have) with the lid flat side down.
8. You will need to clamp the lid in place. In order to not crack the lid, place small pieces of cloth over two the to-be-clamped spots.
9. Clap the lid in place over the cloth with the top of lid flat side down.
10. Pour some water into the lid. Mr. SH did not completely fill the lid, but there was plenty of water. The drill bit will not work without the water. This helps make a clean cut.
11. I made a short video of the drilling. Notice how the water drops through at the end as the drill finishes.
Reassembling the Jars
1. Before you reassemble the jars, you will need to carefully wash the lid. The residue is ground glass and you do not want this in any of your ferments.
I soaked mine first, then ran the lids through the dishwasher. I wasn’t taking any chances.
2. Notice how polished and smooth the hole is. Put the red rubber grommet into the opening.
3. Reattach the baling wire to the Fido lid.
4. Attach the vulcanized rubber seal to the lid.
5. Attach the oval ring to the wire around the jar.
6. Reattach the lid to the jar.
7. Add the 3-piece airlock and you are ready to ferment.
Tomorrow, I will catch you up with what I've been up to lately.
