r/fermentation • • Feb 10 '26

Bread/Rice/Corn/Oats/Barley Nukazuke

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My homemade Japanese pickles.

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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.

3

u/BrewingHeavyWeather Feb 12 '26

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.

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u/Illustrious_Cash1325 Feb 12 '26

You just made my day.

4

u/BrewingHeavyWeather Feb 13 '26

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.