Fermented Zucchini Relish

Step 1

Dice the zucchini and place in a mixing bowl

Step 2

Sprinkle the salt overtop the zucchini, then mix to incorporate

Step 3

Add the remaining fresh ingredients into the same bowl with the zucchini & salt

Step 4

Place dill seeds into a grinder & grind. Then add to the bowl of ingredients

Step 5

Add the whole mustard seeds and red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Step 6

Squeeze the lime wedges over the ingredients. Lemon is good that is what you have, but lime is better

Step 7

With clean hands, massage all the ingredients together until the zucchini releases juice when squeezed and there is a formation of juicy brine in the bowl.

Step 8

Add 1 to 2 handfuls or scoops to the jar including the juice mixed in. Then use either your fist or a tamper to press the ingredients down as to push out any air bubbles. Repeat.Using a canning funnel to load the jars helps prevent spills.

Step 9

After the next round of adding the ingredients to the jar and before packing it down, add the bay leaf by inserting it into the mixture and pushing it in.

Step 10

Pour any remaining brine from the mixing bowl evenly into each of the 3 jars.

Step 11

Use your fist or mallet to pack down again. The juice should rise above the zucchini mixture when pressing down. Leave about 1.5-2 inches (3-5cm) of jar headspace.

Step 12

Add a fermenting weight to help hold the ingredients down.

Step 13

Place a loose lid on the jar. If it is kept loose, the fermentation gasses will be able to naturally release without burping the jar.Alternative lids are a paper towel over the jar opening, secured with a rubber band or a coffee filter over the jar opening, secured by a jar ring.

Step 14

Place the jars on the countertop at room temperature for a minimum of 3 days.

Step 15

Take a taste test starting on day 3 to see how the flavor is developing. If by day 3 you feel the flavor is perfecto, then remove the weight, put the lid on tight and transfer to the refrigerator.  Once placed in the refrigerator the fermented zucchini relish will last about 2 weeks,If you want the flavor to continue mellowing & evolving, then allow zucchini relish to continue fermenting on the counter for 3 to 4 more days before transferring to the refrigerator.  Taste test the zucchini relish every day to monitor how those flavors are coming along. End the fermentation following the instructions above once it tastes perfect to your palate.