I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret. I don’t like fermenting vegetables with whey as the starter culture. Something about the dairy smell of the whey mixed with the fermenting veggies is simply off putting to me. Rather, when I ferment vegetables, I either do a wild ferment, or I use a vegetable starter culture.
Have you ever used a vegetable starter culture? They’re wonderful. They help your veggie ferments get consistent results. (Nothing is more disappointing then making a familiar ferment and having it fail.) I use the vegetable starter culture to ferment raisin chutney, salad dressing, dill pickle relish, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. You can use it to make sauerkraut or kimchi. Really, you can use it to ferment just about any vegetable.
This week, Wise Choice Market is generously giving away 2 packages of Caldwell’s vegetable starter culture and two 1/2 pound bags of a fine sea salt to use for fermenting to two of my lucky readers.
What You’ll Win
One of my lucky readers will win:
- 2 packages of Caldwell’s vegetable starter culture
- 2 half pound bags of fine sea salt
How To Enter
1. Click on the link below and sign up for Wise Choice Market’s newsletter (REQUIRED). Anyone who attempts to enter the giveaway without first doing this will lose their entries.
(If you can’t see the above link, it’s because you have javascript disabled or are using an ad blocker. To see the link, simply re-enable javascript or deactivate your ad blocker for this page.)
After you’ve signed up for the newsletter, you must come back here and comment letting me know you’ve done so.
2. All additional optional entries are being managed by Rafflecopter. Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will run through next Monday April 23rd. The winner will be announced later that week. Good luck!
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done!
🙂
Task complete.
hi. i’d love to try the starter. all signed up!
i signed up for the newsletter
done! i want your raisin chutney recipe, please!
I signed up for newsletter
All done!
Have always wanted to ferment my own…thanks for the giveaway! I am entered:)
Did it!!!
We agree! Here’s our article on why we don’t use whey as a vegetable fermentation starter:
http://theliberatedkitchenpdx.com/basics/why-i-dont-use-whey-as-a-vegetable-fermentation-starter/
Signed up! Thank you! 🙂
Very cool, I’m glad to learn about this product. I’ve had large batches of sauerkraut turn out bad and it’s so disappointing.
Signed up for the newsletter!
all done 🙂
Joined. Thanks!
I signed up! Thanks!
Check!
What a great giveaway! Looking forward to learning more about Wise Choice Market!
Pick me! Pick me!
I’ve signed up! Thanks!
entered all three ways
Signed up:)
Done and done. Thanks for this giveaway. It is so timely, as I just spent yesterday reading up on all the health benefits of fermented food. Now I’m ready to get started! Now I just need the supplies!
signed up and hoping to win! thanks for the giveaway!
Signed up!
Done 😀 thank you
I signed up for the veggie culture starter (non/dairy)
signed up for giveaway. Hope i win!
I signed up for their newsletter!
All signed up! Hope I win, about to make some more cultured vegetables.
I’ve been considering ordering this, so this post may have just pushed me over the edge!
I just signed up for the newsletter! This sounds so interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
love to ferment
I’ve signed up for the newsletter and completed all other steps to enter the giveaway. Please pick me! 🙂
I signed up!
Done! 🙂
done. i have been gearing up to do my first fermentation project since having ginger carrots last week!
Done! Been itching to make some of my own pickles and ketchup!
I am signed up for the newsletter
All signed up! Just learned how to make kombucha. Next on list is to learn to ferment veggies. This would give me a great start! Thanks!
I just signed up and I’d love to try fermenting!
I just entered and am very interested in trying fermenting! A friend turned me onto your site, and I am so excited about all the great information and suggestions you provide. Thank you!!!
I signed up!
I just signed up for the newsletter and look forward to finding out more about this company and their products. Thank you for the opportunity to win a freebie!
Signed up for the newsletter at Wise Choice Market!
All signed up for the newsletter. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I am new to your site and very excited about changing the way I not only view and purchase food but the adventure of creating it myself in a healthy manner. Thank you!
I am signed up! 🙂
Task complete, I cant wait to try fermenting veggies using a starter culture instead of whey.
Done, signed up!
I signed up! I am actually so glad I read this post! I just bought a ton of organic cabbage and was getting ready to make Kimchi! It’s my first attempt and I don’t want to mess it up. I’m definitely going to do some more reading up before I have a go. Thanks for helping me go a little further down the rabbit hole! I can’t wait to tell my husband what else I learned(I’m sure he can’t wait to hear either!)!
I can’t see the Wise Choice Market sign up link?? Is it supposed to show up on rafflecopter?
Signed up. Thank you.
Done. Thank you.
Did it!
I subscribed to the newsletter. I’ve made ferments with and without whey, and would be very interested in trying them with this starter culture.
Signed up fo the newsletter with adrienneturban at gmail dot com or wholenewmom at gmail dot com
I signed up for the newsletter. Am glad to know about this product! Thanks!
Signed up. Thank you!
Done, signed up. Thanks
Done!
Done! I would love that raisin chutney recipe. Actually, any fermented condiment recipe would be a great thing to have in my kitchen – I love your enzyme rich mayo.
I signed up for Wise Choice Market’s newsletter. Thanks for the chance. I completely agree with you on fermenting with whey, I’ve been unable to get past the smell too.
I signed up! Good luck everyone!
Done : )
Signed up. Thank you for the opportunity! Have been talking to a friend that ferments a lot of his veggies and have been thinking about trying it. Maybe I will!
I’m signed up for your newsletter.
Signed up for newsletter!
I did it, too!
I signed up…was just trying to learn about fermented foods when I came across this.
Thanks for the information. I agree. Can’t wait to try Caldwell’s starter!
I signed up! Thank you for the chance to win these!
Just signed up to be a winner, I hope!!!!!!! I have been seriously considering fermenting vegetables. I ferment kefir and I am learning about Kombucha. Now to learn about other fermented foods.
‘done!
Done!!
Signed up for newsletter
Signed up for the newsletter.
I signed up for the newsletter
signed up and hoping to win!
Signed up
Completed my entry! Thanks!
Thank you for alerting me to this on-line store, I have a hard time finding these products around here. I’m excited for the chance to win some things to help me begin fermenting, and I appreciate your great information!
I did it.
I am all signed up. thank you
Linda
Signed up for the newsletter. Thanks!
I get their e-mails already 🙂
YAY!! I’m signed up. Here’s to good karma and luck!!
Done.
Just entered! So excited to maybe try my hand at fermenting!
Exciting!
Done! Thanks
Signed up for the newsletter. Thanks!
Just signed up for the Wise Choice newsletter and would love to be included for a chance to win the starter culture and salt. Thank you for all the work you put in – my family greatly appreciates your insights, advice and recipes!
I entered the giveaway on their site! Thanks!
Looking forward to trying veggie fermentation. I hope I win the contest!
I did it!
I’m signed up.
Signed up for the newsletter
Instructions followed through to completion, Captain!
Done and done.
signed up for newsletter 🙂
Done! Thanks!
Signed up for the giveaway. I Have never used a vegetable culture when I ferment veggies. Would love to try it. Thanks
Just signed up – hope I win!
Got the newsletter – would love to win.
completed!
I signed up for the newsletter!
I want to win!
Done, thanks for the great giveaway! I’d be doing happy dances if I won, and got to try your products.
I signed up for the Wise Choice Market’s newsletter!
HI ! I signed up for the newsletter and entered to WIN! I’d LOVE to try another starter besides whey!
Done!
done.
hey – I’ll try this again – not sure what ‘moderation’ is? !!
All signed up. Great timing for this contest since I have been reading how our gut needs fermented foods. Looking forward to my first batch. THANKS!!
Hope I win! I make fermented vegetables by only using a brine. Would be interested to see what differnce the starter makes.
Would love to try this!
I’m a new subscriber!
I signed up for the Wise Choice newsletter.
I’m signed up with Wise Choice.
signed up for the newsletter!
okey dokey– now i want some kimchi.
signed up for the newsletter
Signed up!
I signed up for the Wise Choice newsletter.
i’ve signed up for their newsletter—i did use a different email though:)
I signed up for the newsletter!
I signed up for the Wise Choice newsletter.
Signed up for the Wise Choice newsletter. Enjoyed reading your ideas about whey and veggies. Am very new to this.
Boy look at all of the cultured people! I’ve completed all necessary requirements also.
signed up
Task completed. Hope to win! I regularly ferment many foods & beverages. My 17 year old daughter and I have have Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue and fermented foods make a huge difference in our health!
I’ve signed up for their newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win!
Awesome giveaway! Thanks 🙂
Task complete. Thanks
Hoping to win the giveaway. That would be awesome!
already signed up for their newsletter
Would love to win the giveaway as I would like to try an alternative to culturing with whey.
Signed up for the newsletter and I am following you on Pinterest, plus I “liked” you on Facebook. I am already getting your updates and learning a lot!
Darn I guess I’m not entered I did rafflecopter first ..(.
But I did sign up for the newsletter
I’ve already been receiving these newsletters, but done!
Hey. I’m signed up and ready to start fermenting!:)
You said above, “Rather, when I ferment vegetables, I either do a wild ferment, or I use a vegetable starter culture.”
Have you posted anything about that “wild ferment”? I’d like to hear about it.
I signed up!
I just signed up for the newsletter.
All signed up!
I signed up for the email list and am excited to get a chance at winning these! 🙂
I just signed for their emails…. maybe if I win this it will get me started on making cultured veggies, which I have wanted to try.
Signed up. Looks very interesting.
I signed up for the newsletter.
I am so glad I found your website! I would just love to win that starter kit! Thanks for all the great information by the way!
Signed-up, thanks for the opportunity to try this out.
did it!
I have entered your drawing and I hope I do win. I am new to fermenting my veggies but have read much about it and have heard that it is one of the best ways to improve my health.
signed up for the newsletter!
Subscribed, liked, followed, entered!
Thanks!
Signed up – thanks!
Did it. Love using a culture starter and have never tried this one: )
I’ve signed up for the newsletter as you requested.
Thank you for this opportunity! : )
I have entered!
did it! thanks for another great giveaway!
Thanks for this giveaway. I’m signed up.
I have signed up for the newsletter.
I just entered and I already get the Caldwell’s newsletter. I actually just started a batch of kraut with their starter…it is the best!!!
Signed up!
I signed up. Thank you!!
Newsletter, check!
Signed up!
Love your website. Very much looking forward to making homemade sauerkraut and pickles!
Just entered the giveaway contest!
signed up for the newsletter!
DONE!
I hope I win it. Yippee 😀
I’ve signed up for the newsletter!
i signed up for newsletter after i did the pinterest and facebook follow. Hope it still works.:)
I did it!
Signed up!
Liked on FB
Following on Pintrest!
I’m back to say I’ve entered the contest and signed up for the newsletter and whatever comes my way. This is a new avenue for me. I’m psyched 🙂
Fingers crossed, all signed up!!!! 😉
i did it, i did it!
yummy – i hope i win:)
I’m just now getting into cultured food, glad to have found your site for good information.
Complete. And getting ready for new life style.
Yea!! thx for the opportunity to win. I’ve been thinking about trying to ferment this summers garden vegies…
Done
I’m already signed up for the newsletter.
I signed up for your newsletter.
all done!
I signed up for the Wise Choice Market Newsletter
I signed up for Wise Choice Market’s newsletter.
Did it!!!!! :0)
I signed up! N
Your subscription to our list has been confirmed.
I can not wait for the newsletter to start. i love trying new recipes
I signed up! Thanks for sharing this company- so excites to start fermenting again!
OK, finally got signed up! I had to disable my add blocker but finally found the link. I am thrilled to get their newsletter since I am a, “just beginning fermenter.” 😉
I’m in like Flynn 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway !
All done, thanks for the opportunity, I tried to do some saurkraut before and failed a couple of times, very disappointed hopefully this time if I win I could try again!!!
I signed up for the newsletter.
Okay, Food Renegade, where is the place where one can ask you a question? It was ignored above, and I realize you were probably just looking for comments about signing up, so I thought I’d try again.
You said above, “Rather (than use whey), when I ferment vegetables, I either do a wild ferment, or I use a vegetable starter culture.”
To what method are you referring when you say “wild ferment”?
A wild fermentation happens when foods is fermented using the wild bacteria and yeast in the air and on your hands. It’s how you’d make a sourdough starter culture, or how you’d make a traditional sauerkraut (which is just shredded cabbage and salt, left alone to ferment).
A fairly informative book on the subject is Wild Fermentation.
I’m trying to figure out something here: if I can ferment foods without whey or a starter culture, then why would I need to purchase a starter culture? Why do most instructions require whey AND salt? I mean, if salt alone will ferment food, why cloud it up with whey or add a starter? Thank you for any light you can shed on this for me!
To clarify: the salt doesn’t ferment the food. It just holds off pathogenic bacteria long enough for the good kind of bacteria to take hold of the ferment and overwhelm the bad bacteria out of existence. What ferments the culture is the wild bacteria or yeast.
A starter culture is like a security blanket. It introduces lots of the good bacteria right off the bat, arguably producing a safer ferment. It also ensures consistency between batches since you’re always introducing the same amounts of the same kinds of bacteria, it increases the predictability of your outcome.
Also, starter cultures are helpful for specific ferments when you WANT a specific strain of bacteria to produce a certain kind of cheese or yogurt or kefir or sourdough, etc. The specific starter cultures are an important part of what makes mozzarella mozzarella instead of brie.
Thanks, I get all that, but you were speaking about vegetables, not breads and dairy items. Can I ferment veggies with just salt? I mean besides the sauerkraut? I always understood that cabbage had an extra something not in other veggies that made conditions conducive to fermenting. If I can ferment other vegetables with salt only I’d like to do it. Whey gives my ferments an unappealing cloudy appearance and white clumps throughout. What can you share about this?
I have java script enabled and took off the ad blocker, however, I still can not see the link above. I did go onto the WISE CHOICE web site and I could not find a newsletter to sign up for, so I signed up for a 10% off my first order dealy…… hope I did the right thing.
Thank you
Norma
Oh, you can’t see it because the giveaway’s ended. It ended on Monday the 23rd.
Very interesting. Until now I have only done Kimche and Sauerkraut. I want to know more!