All year we look forward to the goodness of summer. Tomatoes fall heavy from the vine. Berries glisten and plump on the bush. Cucumbers crunch and cool us on hot days.
Preserve some of that summer goodness to enjoy as long as possible, through fermentation. There are so many recipes to choose from, and nearly any vegetable or fruit can be fermented.
1. FERMENTED BERRIES
Berries are a fleeting treasure in summer. Preserve their goodness a little longer with these recipes for fermented berry syrup or lacto-fermented blueberry jam.
2. FERMENTED GREEN BEANS
A much-loved fermented snack, these Lacto-fermented Dilly Beans are sure to please. For something with a little more kick, try lacto-fermented green beans with cayenne peppers and garlic.
3. FERMENTED CARROTS
Carrots can be prepared in so many ways! If you prefer a faster fermenting carrot with the lovely accent of ginger, try these Lacto-fermented Grated Ginger Carrots. For a handheld snack, these super simple Southwestern Lacto-fermented Carrot Sticks are easy to make and give sweet carrots an added kick.
4. FERMENTED CUCUMBERS
Be sure to make extra jars of everyone's favorite Naturally Cultured Pickles. Don't forget supplies for those summer barbecues. Stock up on Lacto-fermented Cucumber Relish to top hot dogs and burgers.
5. FERMENTED EGGPLANT
Make the most of the absorbent nature of this vegetable by fermenting eggplant with aromatic Italian spices and lots of garlic.
6. FERMENTED PEPPERS
Peppers are an easy vegetable to preserve and provide a little bite of summer as the weather turns colder. Preserve all your extras with these basic recipes: Super Simple Lacto-fermented Peppers and Lacto-fermented Anaheim Peppers.
Lacto-fermented Sliced Jalepeños and fermented habañero garlic hot sauce are good to have on hand for variety, as well.
7. FERMENTED TOMATOES
Tomatoes are a must-have in so many forms for summer picnics and barbecues. Ketchup is always on the table anyway. Why not try a fermented version: Lacto-fermented Spiced Tomato Ketchup? Combine fresh tomatoes with peppers, onions, cilantro, and garlic in our favorite fermented salsa recipe.
Try fermenting whole cherry tomatoes for a delicious finger-food treat.
Before the frost hits, grab all your green cherry tomatoes and make these fermented green tomatoes. Or use them in our green tomato salsa recipe.
8. FERMENTED ZUCCHINI AND SUMMER SQUASH
Make a super-simple squash pickle from that overflowing zucchini plant. It’s as easy as cutting your squash into chunks, adding seasonings, and covering in brine.
If you want something a bit different, try these tasty relishes: shredded zucchini relish and zucchini-cucumber relish.
From tomatoes to carrots, ferment just about anything coming out of your summer garden. Browse our complete list of fermented vegetable recipes, harvest your vegetables, ferment them to tangy perfection, and enjoy living foods straight from your garden all year long!
