Why are shredded vegetables treated differently?

Even though the FARMcurious Fermenting Set generally doesn't require a weight for fermentation, shredded vegetables are one of the notable exceptions.

Why weight shredded vegetables?

During normal fermentation in an airlock system like the FARMcurious Fermenting Set, carbon dioxide is created through the process of fermentation and it escapes through the vegetables into the top of the jar where it forces oxygen (and accompanying mold spores) out of the jar and through the airlock. Forcing out that oxygen is what keeps the airlock system clean and mold-free.

However, layers of shredded vegetables (like you have with sauerkraut) actually create a barrier making it difficult for carbon dioxide to escape. This means that the carbon dioxide bubbles will frequently force the cabbage and brine up (sometimes into your airlock) instead of forcing oxygen out of the top of the jar.

Because the oxygen and its accompanying mold spores aren't pushed out through the airlock, mold may grow on the top of your sauerkraut. Thanks to this phenomenon, we recommend you use a weight on top of shredded fermentations to ensure that you don't have mold issues. The weight will provide counter-pressure to the rising carbon dioxide and keep the vegetables from being pushed upwards. The carbon dioxide bubbles will eventually find their way out and push oxygen out with them, keeping your fermentation nice and clean.

What can be used as a weight?

Some people use a boiled rock or a small glass item (a clean, label-free baby food jar or a small dish or expresso cup that will fit inside the jar) and these items work very well. You'll want to make sure you use something that is lead-free. Any food safe item will be fine.

A heavy vegetable also works well - and is free! Try a big chuck of turnip, rutabaga, cabbage core etc. Please note that a beet will stain your other veggies red or pink which might be fun (or not)! Read about making your own DIY fermenting weights.

You can also use these small hand-made ceramic weights designed specifically for mason jars.