Appreciation post: My neighbor's 'quick pickle' in a jar with a loose lid almost ruined my whole batch

I mean, I saw him just put cucumbers in vinegar with a regular jar lid barely on, saying it would be fine for a week. That's not fermenting, that's just making vinegar salad, and it can let bad stuff in. My own sauerkraut in a proper airlock crock next to it was totally fine after 3 weeks. Has anyone else had to explain the difference between pickling and fermenting to a friend?

3 comments

3 Comments

king.eric9d ago

Tell him he basically made a science project.

leewalker9d ago

He's not wrong, it was a bit of a science project. I spent more time on the setup than the actual task. Thanks for the kind words, @king.eric.

ross.lily9d ago

My one attempt at a "quick pickle" turned into a science project that would make @leewalker's setup look simple. I ended up with a jar of fizzy, cloudy brine and a cucumber that felt like a stress ball. Now I just stick to my crock and accept that good kraut takes time.