Lactofermented Dilly Beans

We spend a small fortune in pickled okra because Kyle absolutely LURVES it! This year I'm growing a ton of it in the garden for him and since it won't be ready for a few more weeks, I thought I'd naturally pickle some of the green beans we have growing and see if he likes them as well.

The process is extremely simple and far better for you than eating them canned or even cooked! Lactofermentation provides beneficial bacteria to your gut that help fight illness and disease.

Dilly Beans ~ One Quart

3/4 to 1 pound fresh green beans
1 large clove garlic, sliced
pinch red pepper flakes
3-4 peppercorns
1 teaspoon dried dill or a handful of fresh
2 Tablespoons unrefined sea salt
2 cups filtered water, plus more as needed. Do NOT use tap water! It contains chlorine that will kill the beneficial bacteria.

Add the sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, peppercorns, and dill to a clean jar (it need not be sterilized, just good and clean).

Snap off the stem-end of the green beans. Add green beans to your jar, stem-end down, packing them close together….it helps to lay the jar on its side at first. Fill the jar completely with the green beans, you can pack them in pretty tight. In a bowl, or large glass measuring cup, mix together the water and salt. Pour this mixture into your jar of beans, and add any extra filtered water as needed to cover the green beans (remember to leave 1-inch space from the top of the jar for expansion but make sure all the beans are submerged beneath the brine).

Place lid on the jar tightly. Allow to ferment (culture) for 3 days at room temperature, checking after day 2. When they are done, the beans will smell and taste “pickled”, but they should still be slightly crisp.

When they've reached the right "pickle" stage for your taste, put them in the fridge to store. They'll last months! They have a wonderful garlicky taste and are the perfect snack or finger food. Eating a few of them daily will keep your intestines working well and help to stave off any illness that comes your way.....we'll swear by that!