Dreaming of making your own homemade canned goods, whether fermented or not? You’ve come to the right place! Discover the ViscoDisc Inserts, the essential accessory to become a lacto-fermentation master, whether you are a beginner or not!
Lacto-fermentation is an ancestral know-how that transforms food into probiotic delights through the activity of lactic acid bacteria. But be careful! For successful fermentations, your vegetables must be perfectly immersed in brine, in an oxygen-free environment.
That’s where ViscoDiscs come in! Designed for both private and professional use, these ingenious inserts are the key to keeping your food submerged in the brine. ViscoDiscs simplify your preparations and guarantee delicious and healthy fermentations and canned goods, whatever your level of expertise.
At Revolution Fermentation, we particularly appreciate ViscoDiscs for their durability, excellent results, and outstanding value for money!
Go directly to the section that interests you:
- Why use ViscoDisc inserts
- How to use ViscoDisc inserts
- Maintenance and durability of ViscoDisc inserts
- Frequently asked questions
Why Use ViscoDiscs Inserts?
- Environmentally friendly and affordable: ViscoDiscs are infinitely reusable, reducing waste and saving money.
- Safe and BPA-free: Made from FDA approved high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ViscoDisc inserts guarantee risk-free fermentation for your health.
- Convenient and easy to use: No more bulky weights or grandma’s tricks! ViscoDiscs can be installed in your jars in no time at all, without any effort.
- Suitable for all jars: ViscoDiscs are available in two sizes: standard and large. These are compatible with most jars, such as Mason, Bernardin, Ball, etc.
How to Use ViscoDisc Inserts?
Put on your apron and prepare your jars, let’s go! Here are our tips for using ViscoDisc inserts.
Step 1: Choosing the Right ViscoDisc Insert for Your Jar
ViscoDiscs are available in two different sizes to match the jars:
- Inserts for standard opening jars
- Inserts for wide opening jars
The inserts are compatible with Mason & Bernardin jar opening sizes, so if you know the size of your jar opening, choose the corresponding insert size. Le Parfait Super jars, which have an 85mm opening, are compatible with the wide format inserts.
If you are unsure which size to choose, measure the width of the jar opening and choose the appropriate ViscoDisc insert:
- 6 to 9 cm (2 3/8 to 3 1/2 inches): standard
- 8 to 10 cm (3 1/8 to 4 inches): wide
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables and Brine
Wash your vegetables carefully and cut them up as you like (slices, wedges, cubes…). Prepare your brine. Be careful, the amount of salt depends on the recipe you are following and the size of your jar. For more information, see our Guide on Salt and Brine in Lacto-Fermentation.
Step 3: Fill the Jar and Place your ViscoDisc
It’s time to put your vegetables in the jar! Place your vegetables in the jar and cover them with salt and water (your brine). Leave some space at the top to avoid surprises. Then, slide the ViscoDisc into the mouth of the jar and adjust it so that it keeps the vegetables well under the brine.
Step 4: Close and Wait for a Delicious Result
Screw on a lid and place the jar in a location at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Let it sit for a few days or weeks, depending on the recipe. When it’s time to use the contents of your jar, remove the insert and store your jar in the fridge!
Here is a short tutorial on how to use Viscodisc inserts:
Maintenance and Durability of ViscoDisc Inserts
To ensure that your ViscoDiscs will accompany you on your culinary adventures for a long time, a little maintenance is necessary after each use.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean your ViscoDisc with warm water and soap. They can also be put in the dishwasher.
- Storage: Store your ViscoDiscs in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Make sure you do not place heavy objects on them to preserve their shape.
- Durability: ViscoDiscs are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a strong and durable material that gives them a long life.
- Eco-responsibility: ViscoDiscs are reusable and contribute to a zero waste kitchen. In addition, they are recyclable, allowing you to minimize your environmental impact.
ViscoDisc inserts are faithful allies for your fermented adventures. Take care of them and they will last for many years!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Advantages of ViscoDiscs for Lacto-Fermentation?
ViscoDiscs offer many advantages, including ease of use, food safety (BPA-free), durability, and adaptability to different types of jars.
Can ViscoDiscs Be Used for Canning?
You can use them to can fruit and vegetables, and even to innovate by testing new recipes. Viscodiscs are your canning buddies!
How Many ViscoDiscs Do I Need for My Culinary Preparations?
In order to organize your kitchen properly and take full advantage of the benefits of fermentation and canning, it is wise to plan for an adequate number of ViscoDisc inserts. We advise you to have at least one ViscoDisc for each jar you plan to use throughout the year, whether for your fermented creations or your delicious homemade canned goods!
