Fermented Jalapenos... Our favorite for omelets!
What is Fermentation?
Fermentation is a natural process that converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol. It is commonly used to preserve food and enhance its flavor. In the case of jalapenos, fermentation can bring out their unique tangy and slightly spicy taste.
Why Ferment Jalapenos?
Fermenting jalapenos not only adds a delicious twist to their flavor but also offers several health benefits. During the fermentation process, beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus, develop. These bacteria aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut flora.
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
To start fermenting jalapenos, you will need:
- 1 pound of fresh jalapenos
- 2 tablespoons of sea salt
- Filtered water
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Step 2: Prepare the Jalapenos
Wash the jalapenos thoroughly and remove the stems. You can choose to keep the seeds for a spicier flavor or remove them for a milder taste. Slice the jalapenos into rings or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Create the Brine
In a separate container, dissolve the sea salt in filtered water. The ratio should be approximately 2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
Step 4: Combine the Jalapenos and Brine
Place the jalapenos in the glass jar, insert a weight and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for fermentation gases.
Step 5: Fermentation Time
Seal the jar with the lid and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. The fermentation process typically takes around 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the jalapenos will develop a tangy flavor and may release bubbles.
Step 6: Taste and Store
After the initial fermentation period, taste the jalapenos to check if they have reached your desired level of tanginess. If they are to your liking, transfer the jar to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process. This will help preserve the flavor and texture of the jalapenos.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once refrigerated, the fermented jalapenos can be enjoyed in various dishes. They make a great addition to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for burgers. Get creative and explore different ways to incorporate these tangy treats into your meals!
Remember, homemade fermented jalapenos can last for several months when stored properly in the refrigerator.
So, why not give fermenting jalapenos a try? Not only will you elevate your culinary skills, but you'll also enjoy the numerous health benefits that come with these flavorful and tangy treats!
My favorite fermentation supplies are wide mouth glass jars, ball fermentation lids, and glass weights. The weights keep everything submerged which is essential to the fermentation process. The ball lids have an air lock that allows the carbon dioxide escape without oxygen entering and allowing harmful bacteria to grow.
You can buy a Ball Fermentation Kit. You can also purchase additional lids if you already have jars or want to do more than 1 ferment at a time. For smaller things such as jalapeno slices, I prefer glass weights to the Ball springs. Smaller items can float up through the springs and you don't want anything floating and coming in contact with the air.