New member from NJ

[StellarRust]

Hi!

Over the last two years I've been trying a few different fermentation projects, so I thought I'd join this forum to pester you all for questions when they arise.

Things I've made:

• Two great batches of sauerkraut
• One awful and one mediocre batch of pickles
• Mead (traditional with honey from local wildflowers)

I'm currently brewing a raspberry wheat ale from a kit. I forgot to sanitize the tube after suck-starting the siphon, but it seems like the advice around here is "relax, it'll be fine"

On my list to make:

• Ginger beer
• Melomel
• Dark cherry stout (I already have a kit)

I'm curious about unusual things to ferment -- please send me your suggestions!

 

[rgregoryirving]

Welcome! Fellow NJ brewer here!

I've always wanted to try making pickles, just never got around to it. What were some of the differences between your 'awful' batch and your 'mediocre' batch?

RDWHAHB is some of the best advice on this forum. During one batch I dropped a piece of equipment into the keg and I 'sanitized' my whole arm to get it back out

In addition to beer I've also dabbled in kombucha. I don't really care for it generally, but SWMBO loves it--and she has really enjoyed the stuff I've made.

 

[ncbrewer]

I can't help you with unusual things to ferment, but welcome to HBT.

 

[StellarRust]

Welcome! Fellow NJ brewer here!

I've always wanted to try making pickles, just never got around to it. What were some of the differences between your 'awful' batch and your 'mediocre' batch?

RDWHAHB is some of the best advice on this forum. During one batch I dropped a piece of equipment into the keg and I 'sanitized' my whole arm to get it back out

In addition to beer I've also dabbled in kombucha. I don't really care for it generally, but SWMBO loves it--and she has really enjoyed the stuff I've made.

In the first pickle batch, I used a wide bowl, and I think some of them were exposed to the surface. Oxygen bad! I think in both I waited too long as well. But really I'm not sure and need to make more batches. Sauerkraut is a much easier pickle to make. Just add salt (no water needed)!

Glad to hear this brew will probably be alright!

I just tried drinking kombucha for the first time last week and it was pretty tasty. How did you get your SCOBY?

I can't help you with unusual things to ferment, but welcome to HBT.

Thanks!

 

[rgregoryirving]

I just tried drinking kombucha for the first time last week and it was pretty tasty. How did you get your SCOBY?

I actually grew my own using this link. It was pretty simple and I'd recommend giving it a try.

 

[StellarRust]

I actually grew my own using this link. It was pretty simple and I'd recommend giving it a try.

Cool, thanks! If I ever make Kombucha I'll try that out