Fermentation Problems and How to Solve Them

Fermenting is a mix of art and science. It takes a bit of know-how, a good culture as well as good conditions. Here are a few common problems that can arise when fermenting.

I’ve been into fermentation since 2014. In that time, I’ve had a few failures. And I would like to assure you that failures are really rare.

Regardless, this post covers a few of the more common problems with fermented foods.

Here are a few posts that go into detail about a particular problem. They may be a good place to start if you’re struggling with a specific problem.

• Kahm yeast and mold
• Why fermentation hasn’t started after 24 hours
• How to solve cheesemaking problems
• Taking care of a sourdough starter
• Common kombucha problems

Too Much Salt

What if you don’t like your fermented vegetables to be so salty, or maybe you’re supposed to avoid salt for health reasons? Are there ways to avoid the salt?

Truthfully, it’s risky to ferment with less salt than is suggested in the recipe. Salt brined ferments need salt to prevent contamination from the wrong type of bacteria, yeast, or mold. However, there are a few ways to decrease salt.

• Rinse some of the salt off before eating the ferment. This works for sauerkraut and quick fermented vegetables. Longer ferments usually are infused with salt.
• Add the vegetables to a soup or stew instead of adding salt. For example, sauerkraut can replace added salt in potato soup.
• If you want to try using a low-salt brine, then make sure all other aspects of your ferment are perfect. Sanitize everything, use a starter culture, ferment at the right temperature, and use an air-lock or fido jar.
• Want more info? Here’s a whole post devoted to low-salt or salt-free sauerkraut.

Over-flowing or bulging jars

Most ferments produce carbon dioxide, which bubble and can cause your ferments to overflow. If you’re fermenting in a sealed jar without an air-lock or other type of gasket, then the jar could even explode!

Here’s how to prevent over-flowing jars:

• Use jars that allow for gas to escape, and leave lots of headroom for things to bubble up. 
• If you’re bottling fermented drinks, then use plastic pop bottles or bottles with a swing-top lid that are made for carbonated beverages.
• If all you have is a regular jar or container, then just make sure to open it daily to release the pressure.

Funny smell

Most ferments have a unique smell. This smell can often range from yeasty to egg-like depending on what you are fermenting. (Cauliflower can be quite stinky!)

Just because something smells funny, doesn’t mean that it has gone off.  Things that bad usually smell so bad that you would NEVER consider eating them. If your ferment smells rotten, then you have to throw it away.

Change in color

Many vegetables will change their color and texture as they ferment. This is especially true if you’ve added something that is a natural dye (beets, turmeric). However, even plain sauerkraut will change from a bright green to a pale yellow-green. 

If something is rotting, then it will look rotten (brown) and smell awful.

I’ve covered a few common problems, but if you’re struggling with something different, feel free to write in the comments below or on the Fermenting for Foodies Facebook page and I’ll try to help you out!