Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Started?
To use, just place your vegetables in your jar, fold the KrautKeeper™ in half, then in quarters, and insert into the jar with the handle up and allow it to expand inside the jar. Use your hands to work it down onto the vegetables. As long as they are secured, that is far down enough... you do not need to over compact them. Then simply add enough brine to fully submerge the vegetables and the KrautKeeper™. It’s that simple! If you have any thoughts or questions please feel free to reach out to us directly!
What does the KrautKeeper™ do?
What does the KrautKeeper™ do?
The KrautKeeper™ is a new fermentation tool designed specifically for larger batch fermentation. When doing home fermentation, it is imperative to keep your vegetables below the brine to help discourage mold growth. This is something even the most expert of fermenters struggle with. The KrautKeeper™ keeps vegetables firmly secured under the brine. It holds tightly to the sides of the jar and won’t allow material to float. No need for rocks, bags, or traditional weights that don’t fit and are messy, the KrautKeeper™ has you covered!
What is the KrautKeeper™ made out of?
The KrautKeeper™ is made from high quality, food-safe, non-reactive silicone. Many kitchen products like baking mats, spatulas, and water bottles are made of the same material. This ensures it will not stain, hold smells, or harbor unwanted bacteria.
How does it work? Is it a weight?
It's more of a fermentation follower. Not to be confused with an individual that follows fermentation on social media. In this case a fermentation follower is typically a barrier placed on top of your ferment to keep everything below the brine. A common follower used is a cabbage leaf with a weight then placed on top of the follower (cabbage leaf). Instead of a cabbage leaf you get a reusable durable fermentation tool that can hold your ferment below the brine without the need of a weight.
How does it work? Designed to gently compress against the sidewalls of your fermentation vessel, creating a secure fit that helps keep ingredients submerged. When used in a properly sized jar, it applies consistent pressure across the surface to keep kraut, kimchi, pickles, and other ferments safely below the brine.
What are the dimensions of the KrautKeeper™?
The KrautKeeper™ is 6.3 inches (16cm) wide, 2.3 inches (6cm) high, and 6.3 inches (16cm) deep. Fits gallon glass jars.
What types of jars does The KrautKeeper™ work with?
The KrautKeeper™ was designed specifically to fit most one-gallon, round glass jars. It also works with one-gallon square jars with a flip-top lid. Most
standard gallon jars are approximately 6 inches in diameter so any jar that's close to this measurement will work perfectly!
Does this product work on jars with and without an airlock?
Yes! The KrautKeeper™ works on jars with and without an airlock. Just be sure to burp your jars as needed if there is no airlock.
How do I use the KrautKeeper™?
Once you have prepared your vegetables and put them into your jar, simply fold the KrautKeeper™ in half, then in quarters. Insert into your jar with the handle facing upward. Allow it to expand inside of the jar and gently work the KrautKeeper™ down to sit on top of the vegetables. As long as they are secured, that is far down enough you do not need to over compact them. Then simply add enough brine to fully submerge vegetables and the KrautKeeper™. It’s that simple!
How do I remove the KrautKeeper™ after my fermentation is done?
Be sure to wash your hands and/or any utensils you plan on using. Grab the handle and pull the KrautKeeper™ straight up to the neck of the jar. Then, using your hands, grab the top of the KrautKeeper™ and compress to fold it in on itself. Continue to pull up and move back and forth until fully removed from jar.
Side Note: Once you have pulled the KrautKeeper™ up by the handle to the neck of the jar it will be tempting to continue to pull on the handle. This is a totally normal response. We go though this almost every time. Resists! Resists the temptation to keep pulling on that handle! The KrautKeeper was designed to stay put once fully in the jar. The KrautKeeper™ will need to be folded in half in order to remove it from the jar.
Once removed congratulations are in order you have done good for yourself by creating a tasty fermented food that will help aid in improving your gut health.
What types of vegetables can I use with the KrautKeeper™?
Any and all types of vegetables can be used with the KrautKeeper™. Be sure to check your individual recipes for particular vegetables you’d like to ferment.
What is the difference between eating fermented foods and taking a probiotic supplement?
Studies suggest that home-fermented foods, due to their naturally acidic environment created during fermentation, have a better chance of surviving the stomach's acidic conditions and reaching the gut intact, where they can benefit gut health. While there are several quality products on the market, many probiotic supplements are grown in labs and the viability of the probiotics themselves is hard to verify.
What else can I use the KrautKeeper™ for?
The KrautKeeper™ can act as a strainer, an oven mitt, a cover for food when microwaving, and a jar opener/gripper, and even an herb stripper.
Care Instructions
Is the KrautKeeper™ dishwasher and microwave safe?
The KrautKeeper™ is completely dishwasher and microwave safe. Also, the material is rated to stand temperatures between: -30C / -22F to +230C / +446F.
Storage?
Clean, store dry, store flat with handle up, wash before next use.