Fermented Cranberry Sauce for a Tangy Probiotic Holiday Side

Next, you might be tired of the same old sugary gelatin from a can during the holidays. Today, I will teach you exactly how to make a lively fermented cranberry sauce right on your kitchen counter. Then, you can surprise your dinner guests with a bright, zesty option that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey.

Also, this method gives you a spectacular choice for healthy thanksgiving side dishes without adding refined sugars. Finally, you will discover how simple it is to preserve fresh berries while keeping all their natural goodness intact. Grab a glass of sweet tea, and let us throw down in the kitchen with this vibrant relish.

What You Need

First, you need to gather your simple, wholesome ingredients. This lacto fermented cranberry sauce recipe requires just a handful of fresh items.

• 12 ounces of fresh organic cranberries: Wash them thoroughly and discard any mushy berries.
• 1 large organic orange: Wash well, as we will use both the zest and the juice.
• 1/3 cup of raw honey: This feeds the good bacteria and balances the tartness.
• 3 tablespoons of liquid whey: This is your starter culture, easily strained from plain yogurt.
• 1 pinch of sea salt: To help draw out the natural juices.

Next, make sure you have your basic tools ready on the counter. Then, grab a food processor for a quick pulse. Also, find a clean 1-pint glass mason jar with a tight lid.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fermentation

Step 1: Prep and Pulse Your Fruit

First, dump your washed cranberries into the bowl of your food processor. Then, use a fine grater to zest your orange directly over the berries. Next, cut the orange in half and squeeze the fresh juice right into the bowl.

Also, pulse the mixture five to six times until the berries are coarsely chopped. You do not want a smooth purée for this fermented cranberry orange relish. Instead, aim for a textured, chunky consistency that holds its shape nicely on a spoon.

[Fresh Cranberries + Orange Zest + Juice] ➔ Pulse 5 Times ➔ Chunky Texture

Step 2: Mix in Your Sweetener and Starter

Next, scrape the chopped fruit mixture out of the food processor bowl and into a clean mixing bowl. Then, pour in your fermented cranberries honey sweetener and your liquid whey starter. Next, add that little pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors.

Furthermore, stir the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the honey dissolves into the fruit juices. If you want to learn how to ferment fruit using whey successfully, a thorough mix at this stage is essential. Finally, let the mixture sit for five minutes to allow the juices to pool.

Step 3: Secure the Jar and Ferment

First, pack the mixture tightly into your clean 1-pint glass mason jar. Then, press down firmly with a spoon so the ruby-red juices rise up and completely submerge the fruit. Next, wipe the rim of the glass jar with a clean cloth to prevent any mold from forming later.

Next, twist the lid onto the jar loosely to allow natural fermentation gases to escape. Then, place the jar in a warm spot on your counter out of direct sunlight. Then, let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 days while the beneficial bacteria start working.

Step 4: Move Your Relish to Cold Storage

First, check your jar after 48 hours for small bubbles forming along the sides of the glass. Then, open the lid to check for a pleasantly tart, fruity aroma. Next, tighten the lid completely once you achieve that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Also, wipe down the outside of the jar if any juices bubbled over. Afterward, transfer your finished raw fermented cranberry sauce directly into the refrigerator. Finally, chill the relish for at least 24 hours before serving to let the deep holiday flavors mature.

FAQs

The Wrap-Up & Call to Action

First, creating your own fermented cranberry sauce is a wonderful way to bring health and tradition to your dinner table. Then, you can customize the recipe by adding a pinch of cinnamon or chopped pecans after the ferment is complete. Also, this raw technique keeps your holiday prep completely stress-free.

Next, make sure to save this recipe to your Thanksgiving planning board. Pin this image below for later reference! Finally, please leave a comment below to tell me how your family enjoyed this tangy twist.

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