Directions for a Gartopf Crock

A variety of vegetables, including cabbage, can be fermented in this crock pot.

Gartopf crock pots are a common household name in Eastern European kitchens. The heavy stoneware is used to ferment foods, from sauerkraut to kimchi. These traditionally made foods are extremely nutritional, according to the University of the United Nations, and contain a variety of beneficial qualities, such as probiotics. While fermented foods can be purchased at a supermarket, creating them at home is more affordable and allows you to personalize the goods as you desire, from the seasonings added to amount of vegetables fermented.

Things You'll Need

• Washed, peeled and sliced vegetables
• Seasonings
• Cover stones
• 1/2 oz. salt
• 1 qt. water
• Small pot
• Large cabbage leaves
• Water

Instructions

1. Place the crock pot on a counter or flat area where it will ferment. Remove the lid and set it aside so the rim faces upright and does not touch the counter -- this reduces the chances of contamination.

2. Insert the vegetables into the pot, leaving enough room for the cover stones to be placed on top and only to a maximum of 4/5ths of the pot's height.

3. Place the cabbage leaves over top of the vegetables, so they are completely covered.

4. Set the cover stones on top of the vegetables to weigh them down. Ensure that the stones are covered by at least 1 inch of the vegetable's juice.

5. Combine the salt and water in a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. Remove it from the stove and allow it to cool completely.

6. Pour the cooled salt water over the stones to cover them with 1 to 2 inches of liquid.

7. Set the lid on top of the crock pot. Pour water in the designated water groove -- which is the seal of the pot. Refill the water as needed.

8. Ferment the vegetables for the allotted amount of time called for in the recipe. This is generally between four to six weeks.

9. Check on the vegetables after the first three weeks of fermentation. If they are at the correct stage of fermentation, set the lid back on the top and seal it again with water.

Tips & Warnings

• All types of vegetables can be used in this crockpot.

• Add a tablespoon of yogurt or buttermilk to aid in the fermentation process.

• Ensure that the crock pot is completely clean before beginning the fermentation process -- if it is dirty, the fermented vegetables will spoil.

• Be careful when handling the pot as it is quite heavy and can chip easily.

References

• Learning Herbs: Fermented Foods
• United Nations University: Benefits of Traditional Fermented Foods