Hi Kirsten,
Just bought the book fermented vegetables. Love it so far. I haven’t started fermenting yet. I want to keep reading and gather some start up supplies.
As I am beginning to look for crocks I am concerned about which ones may have lead and what sizes are best to use. I have found a 2, 3, 8, and 12 gallon. I did not purchase any of them because I don’t know if they have lead.
Attached are some pictures. Do you know if there are certain companies that used lead in their ceramic glaze? If it’s high fired do I need to be concerned?
Please help,
Jenny
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HI Jenny,
Thank you, I am delighted to hear you are enjoying the book.
Let’s see. It is hard to say on the older crocks without doing a little test. You can find a lead paint test kit in a hardware store. Then you have to try it in a place the glaze is damaged, or scratch so of it on the bottom. I don’t know much about how the firing would make a difference though I imagine it might. It is my understanding though that one should avoid all with lead. The older crocks are certainly much cooler, but I can’t speak to who did and didn’t use lead.
None of the new crocks have lead. I would say, if you can test them before you buy then that is your best bet.
I hope that helps.
All the best,
Kirsten