The tomato crop is just about over and done with for this highly productive year. Markets everywhere were awash with heavy, ripe tomatoes. Across the street, my wonderful neighbor had such a bumper crop on her hands that she kept a steady stream coming, in hopes I would use more.
Nothing says summer like sweet, juicy tomatoes fresh off the vine. They were everywhere this year and they went into everything!
One noteworthy success worth sharing came by way of an outstanding homemade fermented salsa, which started out as a fairly basic version. Earlier, I had tested a batch of fermented baby cucumbers and hot peppers, and they were crazy good. The cukes were reminiscent of old fashioned half-sours. Well, why not salsa?
The ferment process is fairly intuitive; there is no cooking required, just a scrupulously clean work space and tools. All it takes is a little time and salt to transform vegetables into a new realm of complex flavor and nutrients. The salt acts as a natural preserving agent while tiny microbes busily gobble up the sugar and transform it into lactic acid—which in turn serves as a natural preservative. It’s a happy environment for beneficial bacteria to flourish, to keep harmful bacterial in check, and to become rich in probiotics.
There are a few simple tricks that will help ensure proper fermentation and prevent the risk of food-borne illness. As with all pickles, the vegetables need to be kept completely submerged below the surface of the liquid solution.
C02 builds up during fermentation and those bubbles need to go somewhere. I started out with the jar loosely covered with cheesecloth and lid, set in a small bowl for run-off, and knew I could do better.
I found a handy fermentation lid that works like a charm and I’ve since learned there are many similar devices on the market.
Once a mason-type jar is properly filled, the lid is screwed on and water is poured into the well on top which creates a vapor lock. A small cap is then placed over a center vent which allows pressure to release safely.
When the salsa is prepared and in the jar, it’s a simple matter of topping it off with brine to secure it all. It is left to ferment on the counter for 2-5 days or longer, depending on the temperature of the room. The warmer it is, the quicker the process.
As it ferments the salsa mellows and develops robust but nuanced character; the harsh saltiness shifts into an intriguing, pleasantly sour taste. The longer the salsa ferments, the more pronounced the flavor. Once achieved, enjoy the salsa as is or refrigerate for longer storage. It will hold for several months.
Likely it won’t last that long, though.
Naturally Fermented Salsa
Ingredients
1 cup onion, dice
3 cups tomatoes, seed & dice
1 cup mixed peppers, seed & dice (serrano, jalapeno, pasilla are good)
2 cloves garlic, mince
Handful of fresh cilantro
Lime juice to taste (start with ½ lime)
1 teaspoon salt
Brine ratio: 1-2 teaspoons salt to 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Mix together all the ingredients including the salt.
- Place the salsa in a 1 quart mason jar, pressing down to release some liquid. The vegetables should be submerged under the liquid. Place a lid or other weight to submerge the salsa. Finish with a bit of extra brine if needed and top off throughout fermentation process.
- Ferment for 2+ days at room temperature (mine took 5 days, then sat in fridge 4 more days before using).
- When the fermentation period is complete, the salsa is ready to eat or can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Yield: about 1 quart
