Ready to jump into the world of fermentation? This post will give you all the basics and cover tools of the trade and start you off with a few straightforward fermentation recipes you can try right away.

A tray with several different types of fermented foods such as sauerkraut, dill pickles, radishes, jalapenos and more.

What is Lacto-Fermentation?

If you are interested in doing a DEEP DIVE into the science of fermentation, I recommend that you read my comprehensive Lacto-Fermetnation Primer. That’s where I go into detail about the importance of salt, pickling vs fermenting, ideal fermenting conditions, common concerns, etc.

So let me start with a summary that should help get you situated!

Fermentation, or more precisely lacto-fermentation, involves submerging vegetables and fruits in a brine solution (salt and water) or salting them enough to release their own water and create their own brine.

The world is full of bad bacteria (e.g., Clostridium botulinum) and good bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus). When done correctly, fermentation kills or suppresses the bad bacteria while giving the good bacteria a chance to thrive. This process transforms the vegetables and/or fruits into healthy probiotic-rich foods.

So how does this transformation take place? There are 2 stages to this process. In stage one, vegetables and/or fruits are salted or submerged in a brine solution that is salty enough to suppress or kill harmful bacteria. During this stage, good bacteria survive.

Two jars with feremnted peppers showing the change in appearance after 3 days of fermentation.

In stage two, Lactobacillus organisms begin converting lactose and other sugars present in the food into lactic acid. This creates an acidic environment. If you’ve ever tasted kimchee or sauerkraut, you’ll notice they have an acidity to them that is different from a traditional pickle.

Lacto-fermented foods taste tangy as opposed to pickled. Furthermore, they may even tingle on your tongue. This fizziness is attributed to the carbon dioxide that is generated in the lacto-fermentation process. I cover the basics of Lacto-Fermentation in my garden cookbook, Seed to Table.

Tools of the Trade

To ferment food safely, I recommend using the right containers and lids. Fermentation lids (also known as airlock lids) are not essential, but highly recommended. This is a lid with a valve that allows gasses to escape safely. It fits directly onto your jar.

Fermenting weights and lids on a wooden board.

There are several options like the Klemon and Masontops (affiliate links). You can use a standard lid and unscrew it twice a day to let any built-up air escape and quickly reseal. This option is not ideal as it can allow oxygen back in.

I recommend using Glass fermentation weights (affiliate link) to keep the fruits and vegetables submerged in the brine. The weights also help extract moisture from food. This is essential when following a salting recipe like sauerkraut.

I recommend using a glass jar (a wide-mouth mason jar is perfect because many of the lids mentioned above are designed specifically for it).

Alright, ready to get started?

Traditional Fermentation Recipes

When you think of traditional fermentation recipes, sauerkraut and fermented dill pickle cucumbers come to mind. These recipes are quite straightforward and a good place to start if you’re new to fermentation.

Mason jar with shredded cabbage.
5 from 9 votes

How to Make Sauerkraut (Lacto Fermented Cabbage)

This 3-ingredient Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe (Lacto-fermented cabbage) is a jumping-off point into the wonderful world of fermentation. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding.
Sauerkraut Recipe!
Mason jar with fermented red cabbage sauerkraut.
5 from 3 votes

Red Cabbage Sauerkraut (Simple Fermented Cabbage)

This 5-ingredient recipe for Red Cabbage Sauerkraut (Lacto-fermented red cabbage) is a slight twist on traditional sauerkraut. It is a jumping-off point into the wonderful world of fermentation. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding.
Red Cabbage Sauerkraut Recipe!
Mason jars packed with cucumbers and spices.
5 from 6 votes

Homemade Fermented Cucumbers (Dill Pickles)

Once you learn how to make your own homemade fermented cucumbers, you’ll never buy store-bought pickles again! This pickle recipe is a great way to start your fermentation journey. It’s simple, easy to follow and the results are crunchy pickles you’ll want to make over and over again.
Dill Pickle Recipe!

Spicy Fermentation Recipes

Hot peppers ferment beautifully and with their array of colors and spice levels, you have full control over your homemade hot sauces and chili pastes.

To learn more about pepper varieties, check out my 33 Best Pepper Varieties to Grow. There are pictures for each and recipe recommendations too!

Fermented hot sauces in hot sauce bottles.
5 from 7 votes

Homemade Fermented Hot Sauce

This small batch recipe for homemade fermented hot sauce is a wonderful way to use those fresh summer peppers from the garden or farmer’s market. If you have never fermented food before, this is a great recipe to start with as it’s easy and almost foolproof.
Fermented Hot Sauce Recipe!
Fermented Sambal Oelek in a mason jar with a spoon.
5 from 2 votes

Sambal Oelek (How to make Indonesian Fermented Chili Paste)

Sambal Oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste used as a side dish or condiment that can easily be made at home. It’s spicy, sour, salty and can be made slightly sweet. This recipe includes an optional (but recommended) fermentation step to amp up the flavor. Use it to season noodle dishes, curries, and grilled proteins.
Sambal Oelek Recipe!
Two bowls of chili paste, one green and one red, on a wooden board.
5 from 6 votes

Shatta (Authentic Middle Eastern Chile Paste)

This truly authentic red and green Levantine shatta recipe is my go-to when I have an abundance of peppers from the garden. Serve it with eggs, labneh, grilled meats and vegetables. There's an optional fermentation step in this recipe which adds gorgeous flavor and balance to the finished condiment.
Shatta Recipe!
A Weck glass jar with sliced jalapenos and onions.
5 from 4 votes

Fermented Jalapeños (Lacto-Fermented Peppers Recipe)

Fermented jalapenos are a great way to use and preserve that bountiful summer harvest or farmer’s market haul. Whether you are a beginner or an expert fermenter, this recipe breaks down everything you need to know from equipment to fermenting safety. The recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and the ferment will be ready in a few days.
Fermented Jalapenos Recipe!

Other Simple Fermentation Recipes

There’s truly nothing simpler than slicing up a bunch of fruits and vegetables and submerging them in a salt brine. These here are the simplest fermentation recipes I have on my website.

A packed mason jar with sliced beets, garlic and brine.
5 from 3 votes

Fermented Beets (Lacto-Fermented Beet Recipe)

This recipe for Fermented Beets is a great way to start your fermentation journey. Whether you are a beginner or an expert fermenter, this recipe breaks down everything you need to know from equipment to fermenting safely. All you need are a few simple and fresh ingredients as well as time to make this lacto-fermented beetroot recipe.
Fermented Beets Recipe!
Fermented celery in a mason jar.
5 from 1 vote

How to Make Fermented Celery (Easy and Delicious)

Fermented Celery is delicious, tangy and a great way to transform fresh celery into something much more flavorful. Whether you are a beginner or an expert fermenter, this recipe breaks down everything you need to know from equipment to fermenting safety. All you need are a few simple and fresh ingredients and a little time.
Fermented Celery Recipe!
Fermented carrots, garlic, bay leaf and spices in a mason jar.
5 from 4 votes

Fermented Carrots (Lacto-fermented Carrot Sticks)

This easy Fermented Carrots recipe serves as an excellent introduction to the world of fermentation. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fermenting enthusiast, this post covers all the essentials, including equipment and safety tips. With just a handful of basic and fresh ingredients, along with some patience, you can make this delightful lacto-fermented carrot recipe.
Fermented Carrots Recipe!
A jar with fermented pink radish slices.
5 from 3 votes

Fermented Radishes (Lacto-Fermented Radish Slices)

This recipe for Fermented Radishes is a great way to start your fermentation journey. Whether you are a beginner or an expert fermenter, this recipe breaks down everything you need to know from equipment to fermenting safety. All you need are a few simple and fresh ingredients as well as time to make this recipe.
Fermented Radish Slices Recipe!

If you make any of these recipes, please make sure to leave a rating and review. It’s so helpful to other readers.

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1 Comment

  1. Aliona says:

    Hello Luay,
    Thank you for sharing your recipes! All look very intriguing and I very much look forward to try them all.
    Aliona