I’m thinking mostly of turşu (torshi) and kimchi.

Traditionally, these vegetables are able to ferment fully sealed for weeks, months, or even years. My family ferments turşu for 6 weeks and they fill that bottle to the brim with no problem. But I have seen many reports of people doing European style fermentation who have popped lids and made a mess because they didn’t “burp” the jar.

So what is the difference that makes them not need to release pressure? Can they be made in a metal lid mason jar?

Also, there is vinegar in turşu solution - anywhere from 10% to 50% volume depending on the recipe. Some recipes boil the solution before adding to the jar. I have read many people say both vinegar and boiling will kill your culture, but I have seen both done and they definitely work. Any insights on this?

  • kimchiconcept@social.cologne
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    8 months ago

    @yoyolll @kimchiconcept
    > it might be acting as a very simple one-way airlock
    That’s what I think it does! If the pressure goes above a certain point, the rubber temporarily gives way. It never completely goes to normal, there’s always a higher pressure inside, once it has gone up. And this way all the oxygen gets displaced, so you end up with a protective atmosphere. At least for long enough until you want to open and eat what’s inside.