Fermented Cranberries

The probiotics, acids, and enzymes created during fermentation strengthen our immune system and help ease Thanksgiving digestion. I love these cranberries as is but for traditionalists, you can add them to cooked cranberry relish and no one will be the wiser. As they are fermented, they will last in the fridge for months. Make a few quarts (or more) and add them to oatmeal, in salads or baked into muffins, etc.

• 16 oz whole, organic cranberries, rinsed and picked through

• 1 orange - zest plus ⅓ cup juice

• ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 

• 2 Tbls raw honey or maple syrup 

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 cinnamon stick 

• 5 allspice berries

• filtered water 

• A 1-quart glass jar

Optional but very helpful - Fermentation lids:

Kraut Source Fermentation Kit - Sold out due to COVID until January 2021

Pickle Pipe Fermentation Airlock Lids

Pickle Pebble Fermentation Weights

1. In a food processor,  pulse the cranberries until they “pop” and are very coarsely chopped. Some can be left whole. This can be done with a knife but they jump onto the floor!

2. Zest the orange using a vegetable peeler so that you have strips with no white pith. Reserve and then juice the orange.

3. In a bowl, add the berries and remaining ingredients except for the water and toss to combine.

4. Put the mixture into a wide mouth quart jar and include all of the juice at the bottom of the bowl. Press the berries down using the end of a flat rolling pin or your hand. The berries should be completely covered with juice.

5. Use a chopstick or thin knife to remove air bubbles.

6. Add filtered water as needed, to cover the berries by ½ inch. There should be about 1 inch of head space from the top of the jar. 

7. Add a pickle weight to keep the cranberries submerged in their brine. Cover the jar with an airlock lid (or a loose lid to allow Co2 to escape). 

8. Leave to ferment at room temperature and covered with a clean towel for 3-7 days - tasting for your desired flavor balance. Check occasionally to make sure berries are submerged. Add water or OJ if needed.

9. Refrigerate and enjoy.