Lately I have been having a lot of fermenting fails in my fermenting crock. At first, I figured that it was a bad batch of culture starter. I confirmed this after fermenting some carrots in a mason jar that also failed. So, I tossed the box of starter and started with a fresh box. Problem solved!
Nope. Not solved. I started fermenting some pickles with my new packet of starter and those failed as well. It is so sad to lift that lid and look in and find black mold and sad, disgusting pickles. People always ask me, “How will I know if my ferment is bad?” I always respond with, “You will know.” The smell, the mold, the look of everything makes you want to throw the whole crock away with everything in it!
After discovering my batch of pickles failed, I realized that my crock must be contaminated. The crock itself is glazed pottery. Easy to clean – just soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly. However, the stones are not glazed. They are porous. Soap and water wont cut it if mold spores are living in those stones. I needed to do some heavy duty cleaning of those stones, for sure. I decided to clean the lid as well because the inside of my lid is not glazed, it is porous as well.
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How to Identify Antique Stoneware Crocks
Most antique stoneware will have some clues on it to help you identify where and when it was made or who made it. Youll need this information to understand how much your crock is worth. However, this information also makes collecting the pieces more enjoyable. Related Articles
According to antiques appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame, “stoneware” is the term used to describe any clay with a less than two percent waterproof rating. Because of this vague definition, stoneware can be made from a variety of clays and come in many colors or textures. However, antique stoneware was typically colored with a brown or gray salt glaze featuring blue decorations.
Lately I have been having a lot of fermenting fails in my fermenting crock. At first, I figured that it was a bad batch of culture starter. I confirmed this after fermenting some carrots in a mason jar that also failed. So, I tossed the box of starter and started with a fresh box. Problem solved!
After discovering my batch of pickles failed, I realized that my crock must be contaminated. The crock itself is glazed pottery. Easy to clean – just soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly. However, the stones are not glazed. They are porous. Soap and water wont cut it if mold spores are living in those stones. I needed to do some heavy duty cleaning of those stones, for sure. I decided to clean the lid as well because the inside of my lid is not glazed, it is porous as well.
The first thing I did was set a gallon of water to boil. I added 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the water. I boiled the lid and the stones for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, I heated my oven to 400 degrees. Once the stones and lid had finished boiling, I placed them into the preheated oven, directly on the oven racks. I closed the oven door and turned the oven off. I allowed the stones and lid to cool off with the oven.
Nope. Not solved. I started fermenting some pickles with my new packet of starter and those failed as well. It is so sad to lift that lid and look in and find black mold and sad, disgusting pickles. People always ask me, “How will I know if my ferment is bad?” I always respond with, “You will know.” The smell, the mold, the look of everything makes you want to throw the whole crock away with everything in it!
FAQ
How do you clean stone crocks?
Scrub the mould off as much as you can. Put the stones in a pot with a few tablespoons of vinegar and hot water or fill the crock with vinegar and hot water (not boiling). Leave overnight. Rinse the stones/crock.
How do you get stains out of stoneware?
What are old stone crocks worth?