Fermented Leeks: How to Ferment Leek Tops
Are you wondering what to do with leek tops or leek greens? You should make fermented leeks! Fermented leek tops are delicious additions to stews and braises or used in sauces, dips, and marinades.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Fermentation time: 21 days
- Total Time: 504 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 25 ounces
- Category: Fermented Vegetables
- Method: Fermentation
Ingredients
- 200 grams leek greens
- 500 grams water
- 21 grams sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the tops off of the fresh leeks and rinse them well in cool water.
- Dissolve the 21 grams of sea salt in 500 grams of water.
- Cut the leek tops to fit in the jar. You can cut them in small pieces, or cut them to the height of the jar allowing room for a fermentation weight.
- Add the leek green to the jar, and fill the jar with the water and salt mixture.
- Place your fermentation weight in the jar and make sure the weight and all the leek tops are submerged in the salt brine.
- Place the lid on the jar and secure it closed.
- Allow for fermentation at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks.
- During the first few days, expect a lot of carbon dioxide production. You will need to gently open the jar lid to let some of the gas out daily. At the one week mark, you should notice the bubbles decreasing and eventually stopping completely.
- After 3-4 weeks of fermenting at room temperature, store the fermented leeks in the fridge. You can check the pH with a pH strip to make sure it is below 4.
Notes
You can add spices to the fermented leek tops if you want to. Try adding black pepper, garlic and/or turmeric.
