Pickling vs. Fermenting. What's the difference? We get asked that question all the time. And we totally understand that this topic can be confusing. Both processes seem very similar but once you dive deeper into them, they are actually very different from each other.
In this blog post, we'll explain the difference between pickling and fermentation, making it easy-peasy for anyone to understand these fantastic food preservation techniques.
Pickling: Tangy and Speedy Preservation
Pickling is a preservation method that involves immersing food in an acidic solution, typically vinegar, to create an inhospitable environment for microorganisms. This acidity not only preserves the food but also imparts a tangy, sour taste. Pickling can be done using fruits, vegetables, and even meats.
Process:
- Preparing the solution: The pickling solution is usually made by combining vinegar, water, salt, and various spices and herbs. The solution may also include sugar or other sweeteners.
- Heating and sterilizing: The solution is brought to a boil to ensure all bacteria are killed and the ingredients are properly sterilized.
- Immersion: The prepared ingredients, such as cucumbers, onions, or carrots, are placed in jars or containers. The hot pickling solution is poured over them, fully immersing the ingredients.
- Sealing and storage: The jars are tightly sealed to prevent air and contaminants from entering. The pickles are stored in a cool, dark place to mature.
Key Points:
- Pickling relies on an acidic solution to preserve food, but it does not foster the growth of gut-healthy bacteria.
- Vinegar, such as white or apple cider vinegar, takes the spotlight in this process.
- Quick and easy, pickling usually takes only a few hours or days.
- While pickles offer a tangy taste and satisfying crunch, they typically lack the probiotic benefits found in fermented foods.
Fermentation: Unleashing the Power of Gut Health
Fermentation is a natural process that harnesses the power of beneficial bacteria and yeasts to preserve food. Unlike pickling, fermentation requires an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment to allow microorganisms to convert sugars into lactic acid or alcohol. Instead of acid, a mixture of water and salt is used as a brine for this process or just salt to bring out the juices from the produce (such as cabbage). This transformative process not only preserves the food but also enhances its flavour and promotes the growth of probiotics.
Process:
- Vegetables such as cabbage, cucumbers, cauliflower, and many others can be used in this process. They can be chopped, shredded, or even kept whole, and then mixed with salt or a brine solution.
- Anaerobic environment: The ingredients are packed tightly into containers, ensuring there is no exposure to oxygen. This can be achieved using fermentation crocks or mason jars with airlocks.
- Fermentation period: The containers are left at room temperature, in a dark place for days or even weeks, allowing the natural bacteria and yeasts present on the vegetables to consume the sugars and produce lactic acid or alcohol.
- Maturing and storage: After the desired fermentation period, the containers are sealed and refrigerated to slow down the fermentation process and store the fermented food.
Key Points:
- Fermentation harnesses the power of beneficial microorganisms to preserve food and promote gut health.
- Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are the culinary superheroes behind fermentation.
- A slow dance, fermentation takes days to weeks or even months to develop its desired flavours and probiotic goodness.
- Fermented foods offer complex tanginess, unique textures, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
So here it is, friends. Even though similar at first, the truth is that pickling and fermenting brings out different results to the finished product.
Which process do you prefer in your produce preservation or which one do you use more often? Let us know in the comments section!
