Lacto-Fermentation eCourse & eBook — Recommended Resources, Tools, and Equipment

Amazon.com

Amazon has an entire grocery section of natural and organic ingredients, including many of the items need for this eCourse. It’s also a great place to get appliances.

More info:
Amazon.com.

Homesteader’s Supply Co.

An excellent resource for cheesemaking supplies, kitchen appliances, and tools. Also carries a number of non-electric appliances (which are helpful if the power goes out!).

More info: Homesteader’s Supply Co.

Get basic supplies and cultures for 25% off by purchasing the Lacto-Fermentation Kit.

US Wellness Meats

On online resource for pasture-raised meats, grassfed dairy, lard, tallow, and more.

More info: US Wellness Meats

Pickle Pro Airlock Fermenting Lid
at Homesteader’s Supply

This fermentation lid fits all wide-mouth canning jars. It creates an air-lock seal, allowing fermenting gases to escape while minimizing contact with the open air.

More info: Homesteader’s Supply.

Alternative: use mason jars or crocks instead (with
adaptation).

Lacto-Fermentation Kit item.

Option in most lessons.

Grolsch-Style Bottles

Useful for bottling fermented sodas and beverages.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 12 and Appendix I.

90-count Cheesecloth
at Cultures for Health

This fine-weave cheesecloth is useful in draining soft cheeses. Reusable.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health or Amazon.com.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies at Cultures for Health. May be used multiple times

Needed in lessons 3, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Berkey Water Filter

Clean water is essential to our health. Berkey water filters remove contaminants while leaving behind valuable minerals.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com or The Bulk Herb Store.

Recommended for all lessons.

Wooden Spoon

Needed for almost every baking task!

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in all lessons.

Mixing Bowls

A small, medium and large are handy at a minimum.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in all lessons.

Stockpot

Helpful in straining cheeses, soaking and cooking grains/beans, making stock, cheese and large soups/stews.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 3, 13, 14, and 15.

Quart-size Mason Jar (wide-mouth)

Useful in soaking grains, fermentation, sprouting, and food storage.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 3, 9, 11, 12, 16, and 22.

Pint-size Mason Jars (wide-mouth)

Especially useful in making and storing fruit butters and condiments.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 4, 8, 9, and 14.

Vitamix (High-Powered Blender)

Use to churn butter, chop small vegetables, and mill your own flour.

More info or buy at: Vitamix.com.

Alternatives: a stand-alone mill or grain cracker, or another high-powered blender such as Blendtec.

Needed in lessons 4, 9, 13, 14, 20, 22, and Appendix I.

Half-Gallon Mason Jars

Need to make water kefir. (Also useful in sprouting wheat berries.)

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: use two quart jars.

Needed in lessons 6, 11, 15, and Appendix I.

Gallon Jar

This large jar is excellent for bulk food storage.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 11, 12, 18, and Appendix I.

Kraut Pounder

Useful for mashing fruits and vegetables when fermenting them.

More info or buy at: KrautPounder.com.

Alternative: use a meat hammer.

Needed in lessons 4 and 5.

Tea Towel

Used to cover kraut while juices are extracted. Also used to cover sourdough bread while rising.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 5 and 20

Small Pot

A small/medium-size pot is useful in warming small amounts of liquid, dissolving sugar for making water kefir, and cooking small
batches of food and sauces.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 11 and appendix I.

Cookie Sheet/Baking Tray

Needed to catch drips when using a cheese press and bake cookies, breads, and pizza.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 12, 13, and 20.

Bosch Mixer

Useful in churning butter and mixing dough.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 14 and 20.

Natural Wax Paper

This chlorine-free wax paper is useful in preventing sticking when rolling out dough. Can also be used to shape butter and cheese, wrap sandwiches, and separate layers of cookie or bread dough.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 14 and 15.

Chevre Mold
at Homesteader’s Supply

Used to drain and form soft cheeses. You will need 3-5 of these.

More info or buy at: Homesteader’s Supply.

Needed in lesson 15.

Stainless Steel Drying Rack

Use under a tome mold and over a baking sheet to catch whey.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 15.

Cast-Iron Skillet

Needed to prepare skillet meals, cook pancakes, and deep-dish pizza.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Waffle Iron

Used to make sourdough waffles.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: cast-iron waffle iron.

Needed in lesson 19.

NorPro Tinware Bread Pan

These pans are very narrow, which allows the bread
to rise up instead of out, so the bread is a much nicer shape.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 20.

Rolling Pin

Useful in rolling dough for pizza crust and cinnamon rolls.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 20

8″ or 9″ Square Baking Dish/Cake Pan

Needed for baking cakes.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 20

Muslin Bags

Use to contain water kefir grains while fermenting.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in Appendix I.

Plastic Strainer

Helpful in straining water and dairy kefir.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Also available from Cultures for Health. Use coupon TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Alternative: remove kefir grains with a wooden or plastic spoon. Do not use metal.

Needed in Appendix I.

Body Ecology Vegetable Starter

No longer available at our usual source.

Option is lessons 14 and 15.

Biena Aromatic B Mesophilic Starter Culture

This dairy-free starter contains the same organisms at the Body Ecology starter. Useful for finishing water kefir and as a dairy-free starter culture for cheeses and cultured dairy.

More info: Homesteader’s Supply.

Lacto-Fermentation Kit item.

Needed in lessons 14 and 15.

Water Kefir Grains

Needed to create water kefir, a natural soda.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lessons 10 and Appendix I.

Tempeh Starter

Needed to make tempeh (a fermented soy food).

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 13.

Sourdough Starter

Used to make sourdough bread, pancakes, and waffles.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Dairy Kefir Grains
at Cultures for Health

Necessary for making dairy or coconut milk kefir.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 3

Danisco MA 11 Mesophilic Cheese Starter Culture

Needed to make semi-soft and fresh cheeses.

More info: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 15.

Danisco Mesophilic Direct Set Starter 4002

Needed to make semi-soft and fresh cheeses.

More info: Homesteader’s Supply.

Needed in lesson 15.

Double-Strength Liquid Vegetable Rennet
at Cultures for Health

This gluten-free, non-GMO Double-Strength Vegetable Rennet is essential for cheesemaking and some cultured dairy products.

More info or buy at: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lessons 14 and 15.

Villi Yogurt Starter

Needed to make room-temperature cultured yogurt.

More info: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 14.

Kombucha Scoby

Needed to make kombucha.

More info: Cultures for Health.

Coupon: TCS for 15% off cultures and 10% off supplies. May be used multiple times.

Needed in lesson 11.

Real Salt

This unrefined sea salt is high in trace minerals and imparts a wonderful flavor.

More info or buy now.

Alternatives: Himalayan Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt.

Needed in most lessons.

Pecans

Needed to make chutney. Also a delicious addition to many baked goods.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 3.

Raisins

Needed to make chutney. Also useful in flavoring water kefir.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 3 and Appendix I.

Chinese Five Spice Powder

More info or buy here.

Needed in lesson 3.

Pepper

Needed to make Chinese five spice powder.

More info or buy here.

Needed in lesson 3.

Cinnamon

Useful in flavoring baked goods.

More info or buy here.

Needed in lessons 3 and 11.

Cloves (ground)

This culinary spice pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg. It is also needed to make homemade Chinese five spice powder.

More info or buy here.

Needed in lessons 3 and 11.

Pomona’s Pectin

A natural pectin derived from citrus fruit peels. Used to thicken jams and preserves.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 3.

Raw Honey

A nutritious sweetener, honey that has not been heated over 117 degrees is loaded with amylases, enzymes that digest carbohydrates.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: local raw honey is the best option, when possible.

Needed in lessons 3, 4, 8, 11, 20, and 23.

Bay Leaves

Enhances the flavor of roasts, soups, stews, stocks and vegetable dishes.

More info or buy now.

Alternative: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 4, 6, 16, and 17.

Cinnamon Chips

Used to flavor to preserved lemons.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lesson 4.

Whole Cloves

Used to flavor to preserved lemons.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lesson 4.

Dried Figs

Needed to make fig butter.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 4.

Maple Syrup, Grade B

A natural sweetener, rich in trace minerals.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 6, 8, 15, 19, 20, and 23.

Dill Seed

Used to add flavor to pickles, relish, and condiments.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6, 7, and 8.

Red Chili Flakes

Especially useful in pickling veggies and making relish.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6, 7, and 11.

Mustard Seed

Used to add flavor to pickles, relish, and pickled meats.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6, 7, 11, and 16.

Turmeric

This anti-inflammatory herb adds flavor to vegetable and meat dishes.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6, 7, and 16.

Peppercorns

Useful in pickling vegetables.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6 and 22.

Coriander Powder

Useful in pickling vegetables.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lesson 6.

Pickling Spice

Useful in pickling vegetables and meat.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 6, 9, and 17.

Cayenne Powder

Useful in making condiments and savory dishes.

More info or buy now.

Needed in lessons 8 and 19.

Blackstrap Molasses

The most concentrated
molasses, rich in flavor and minerals.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 8, 10, 11, and 19.

Dry White Wine

Used to make Dijon mustard.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 8.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

This cold pressed, 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is made from hand-harvested olives grown on a family farm in California.

More info or buy at: Chaffin Family Orchards.

Needed in lessons 8, 9, 15, 19, and 20.

Chana Dahl

An option for making hummus. These beans are smaller and darker
skinned that garbanzo beans.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Option in lesson 9.

Roasted Sesame Tahini

Made from toasted sesame seeds, tahini is needed to make hummus.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: may use unroasted tahini instead.

Needed in lesson 9.

Piloncillo and Panela

Solid cakes or cones of Rapadura/Sucanat. Can be dissolved or grated for use in baking.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Option in lesson 10.

Stevia (liquid)

Stevia drops work well in tea, coffee, salad
dressings, and natural sodas.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 10.

Green Tea Bags

Needed to make green tea kombucha.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 11.

Chai Tea Bags

Useful in flavoring kombucha.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 11.

Organic, Non-GMO Soybeans

Used to make natto.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 13.

Black Beans

Needed t make bean paste.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 13.

Pinto Beans

An option for making bean paste. Also useful in bean-based main dishes.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 13.

Wild Salmon

Needed to make pickled salmon.

More info or buy at: US Wellness Meats.

Needed in lesson 16.

Grass-fed Beef Brisket

Needed to make corned beef.

More info or buy at: US Wellness Meats.

Needed in lesson 17.

Chuck, Round or Shank Roast

An option for corned beef.

More info or buy at: US Wellness Meats.

Needed in lesson 17.

Hard Red Wheat Flour

This whole wheat flour has been ground from red wheat berries.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: King Arthur 100% Whole Wheat or Arrowhead Mills 100% Whole Wheat.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Hard White Wheat Berries

Mill to make whole wheat flour.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: buy flour that has already been ground (but fresh is best!).

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Hard White Wheat Flour

This flour is made from hard white wheat berries.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Spelt Berries

An excellent choice for creating sprouted flour.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Aluminum-free Baking Powder

The best (and safest) baking powders are free of aluminum and GMOs.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Alternative: Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Coconut Oil, unrefined

A traditional cooking fat, excellent for baking, sautéing, and frying.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Cocoa Powder

Needed for flavored cream cheese and cakes.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lessons 19 and 20.

Evaporated Cane Juice

With it’s fine crystals and mild taste, this natural sugar is the most like white sugar.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Option in lesson 20.

Teeccino

An instant coffee substitute, Teeccino comes in a variety of flavors.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in lesson 20.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Rich in vitamins A and D, this recommended supplement provides essential fatty acids.

More info or buy at: RadiantLife.com or Amazon.com.

Recommended in lesson 21.

Organic Grape Juice

Choose organic juice when making water kefir will to avoid damaging the starter culture or the culturing
process with pesticide residues.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Needed in Appendix I.

Nourishing Traditions

The ground-breaking cookbook by Sally Fallon includes well-researched information and an abundance of recipes prepared using traditional methods.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Mentioned in lesson 11.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods

This book, authored by Wardee Harmon, includes over 100 delicious recipes for all types of fermentations.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Mentioned in lesson 17.

The Art of Making Fermented Sausages

Everything you need to know to make fermented sausages at home.

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Mentioned in lesson 17.

Meat Smoking and Smokehouse Design

This book explains the differences between grilling, barbecuing and smoking. It also includes information on smokehouse design (including over 200 construction diagrams and photos that cover most methods).

More info or buy at: Amazon.com.

Mentioned in lesson 17.