Preservation 101: Intro to Fermentation

Preservation 101: Intro to Fermentation

Author: Homesteading Family October 4, 2020 Duration: 39:04

Lacto Fermentation...It’s one of the safest and easiest preservation methods, plus it’s also a great way to boost your immune system and can take your veggies to a whole new level! 

In this episode of the Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn continue with their series on preservation methods with an introduction to fermentation. They cover the different types of fermentation, its numerous health benefits, the six steps you need to follow to get started, as well as other helpful tips you can use to make sure you’re getting the most long-term value from your preservation efforts.   

In this Episode: 

  • Why fermentation is one of the safest preservation methods and can be a great alternative to canning.  
  • What are the 4 different types of fermentation? 
  • What is “lacto-fermentation” and what are the six steps in the process?  
  • What are the pros and cons of lacto-fermentation and how does it benefit your immune system?  
  • Why batches can go bad and what are the warning signs?  
  • What is that white mold that covers the top and is it safe?  
  • Carolyn shares her master brine recipe. 
  • How do you know when the fermentation process is complete before you can move it to cold storage and what are the acceptable cold temperatures?   
  • What’s the best way to introduce fermented vegetables to your family?
  • What is Carolyn’s #1 tip when it comes to fermentation? 
  • Why there could be shortages on some fall produce like canned pumpkin due to COVID.  
  • Question of the week: Should you ask about mineral rights when buying homestead property? 


Resources: 

You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.


There’s a quiet revolution happening in backyards and on small plots of land, where people are choosing to grow and preserve their own food despite busy modern lives. Everyday Homesteading, from the Homesteading Family, speaks directly to that reality. It’s for anyone who feels the pull toward self-sufficiency but is short on time, sorting through the noise to find what’s genuinely practical. This podcast focuses on methods that are tried and true, saving you from wasting effort and resources on well-meaning but unproven advice. You’ll hear honest conversations about fitting homesteading tasks into a realistic schedule-think five to ten hours a week-transforming that dream of a full pantry into a manageable weekly rhythm. Episodes delve into the nitty-gritty of growing food, cooking from scratch, and preserving your harvest, all with an eye on efficiency. The tone is less about achieving perfection and more about building confidence through simple, actionable steps. Tune in for a sense of community and grounded wisdom that makes the homesteading journey feel possible, starting right where you are.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 278

Everyday Homesteading
Podcast Episodes
Long-Term Food Storage Hacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
You’re going week to week buying groceries and spending way too much money…There has to be a better way, and there is! Buying in bulk and storing it! But before you make the transition to being a bulk-buying homesteader,…
How to Stock Your Barn for Winter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
Winter should be a time for rest, relaxation and reflection, so the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling around trying to manage your homestead through the snow and ice and frigid temperatures. In this episode o…
A Homesteading Family Thanksgiving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:03
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means food and lots of it! Prepping a big Thanksgiving feast can be challenging, but having a good strategy in place can make all the difference between being thankful or being stress…
How to Prep 3 Homemade Meals for Every Day of the Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:35
You're incredibly busy! One of the things that shouldn’t be adding more stress to your day is trying to figure out how to make sure there are meals on the table for everybody. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Carolyn talk…
What to Do When Canning Supplies Are Gone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
Supply and demand issues are impacting homesteaders everywhere, especially when it comes to finding quality canning supplies. The reality is that this problem is not going away anytime soon, so what can you do? In this e…
Prepping Your Pantry for Winter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
With supply and demand issues being so commonplace right now, it’s a smart move to have your reserves stocked up and ready to go so you feel more confident and secure as the colder weather approaches. In this episode of…
Getting Prepared for Winter on the Homestead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
Frigid temperatures, along with ice, and snow can present a ton of challenges for homesteaders and it’s even worse when you haven’t planned ahead to be ready when mother nature strikes. In this episode of Pantry Chat, Jo…
Preservation 101: Root Cellaring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:34
Root cellaring is one of the easiest and most energy-efficient ways to store your fruits and vegetables by using the earth’s natural temperatures. But what do you do if you don’t have the infrastructure to support a trad…
Preservation 101: Dehydrating Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
Dehydration is another great option for getting food on your shelf, plus it’s also super convenient, lightweight, and really takes the bulk down on your food to help maximize your space. In this episode of the Pantry Cha…
Preservation 101: Intro to Canning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
You’ve grown and sourced some amazing food. Now you want to get it on your shelves and store it. One of the best ways to do that is with canning. Canning is becoming more popular than ever, thanks to its many benefits. S…