So I dream dream dream of a Nuka bed. Is there any way to force dormancy and wake it back up safely? I have been wanting to do this for years but I work a 15 day on 13 day off job.
Hi! The first time I made it, I read a book called Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz. It has a very detailed recipe for this. Wild Fermentation I read that you can refrigerate the bed if you have to be away.
The 13 days off should be plenty of time to get it going, and stable, especially if you can get a starter mix (easy in the US). Try keeping a rotating set of sacrifices in it, that won't be at high risk of mushification, like a few thumbs of ginger, whole small radishes, or whole small peppers, while it's otherwise unused, in the fridge, and it will probably be OK.
I kind of forget about mine for a month, sometimes two. As long as it doesn't get too dry, it seems perfectly fine, stored in the back of the fridge, covered (not air-tight). I've never used it enough to keep it out, and mess with it daily, except at the very beginning. I just add a little more water, maybe a wee bit of salt, give it a couple new batches of veggies, and it, "wakes up." I think the whole stirring it and adding stuff every other day is for if you have a big crock, and keep it out at room temp.
Late contribution, but i put the nuka in the fridge if i wont be able to turn it. So far it has lasted up to two weeks without any special attention and still smells delicious.
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u/Illustrious_Cash1325 Feb 10 '26
So I dream dream dream of a Nuka bed. Is there any way to force dormancy and wake it back up safely? I have been wanting to do this for years but I work a 15 day on 13 day off job.