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Easy Fermented Red Onions

A simple, gut-friendly staple you’ll want to add to everything. I’ve been making these more and more lately. They’re so simple, full of tangy flavour, and brilliant for gut health. I usually make two jars at a time and always have them on hand—ready for salads, grain bowls, eggs, wraps, or even as a side on a simple lunch plate. The best part? Once the onions are gone, the leftover juice makes a delicious base for dressings. You can also experiment by adding extras like black peppercorns or bay leaves. This recipe pairs beautifully with our recent podcast on gut health with Dr Emily Leeming, and is a great step toward nurturing your second brain—the gut.
Easy Fermented Red Onions
Yields1 Serving
 2 Large red onions, very thinly sliced
 240 ml Apple cider vinegar (preferably with the mother)
 240 ml Filtered water
 1 tsp Sea salt (adjust to taste)
 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup (optional)
 A few black peppercorns, cloves of garlic, 1 bay leaf, mustard seeds, or chilli flakes
1

Thinly slice the onions and tightly pack them into two clean jars. ( I am using here 2 x 300 ml jars)

2

In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, salt, and maple syrup (if using) just until dissolved—don’t boil.

3

Add any optional spices (peppercorns, bay leaf, etc.) to the jars.

4

Pour the warm mixture over the onions, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Press down with a spoon if needed.

5

Allow to cool for 20–30 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.

6

They’re ready to enjoy within a few hours and keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

7

Fermented onions are a gentle, easy way to bring more fibre and probiotics into your day. And once you’ve made them once—you won’t stop.

How to keep them

Ingredients

 2 Large red onions, very thinly sliced
 240 ml Apple cider vinegar (preferably with the mother)
 240 ml Filtered water
 1 tsp Sea salt (adjust to taste)
 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup (optional)
 A few black peppercorns, cloves of garlic, 1 bay leaf, mustard seeds, or chilli flakes

Directions

1

Thinly slice the onions and tightly pack them into two clean jars. ( I am using here 2 x 300 ml jars)

2

In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, salt, and maple syrup (if using) just until dissolved—don’t boil.

3

Add any optional spices (peppercorns, bay leaf, etc.) to the jars.

4

Pour the warm mixture over the onions, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Press down with a spoon if needed.

5

Allow to cool for 20–30 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.

6

They’re ready to enjoy within a few hours and keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

7

Fermented onions are a gentle, easy way to bring more fibre and probiotics into your day. And once you’ve made them once—you won’t stop.

How to keep them

Notes

Easy Fermented Red Onions

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