Unpopular opinion: I thought my friend's 'garage kimchi' was a biohazard waiting to happen...
After a month of side-eyeing the bubbling jar, I finally tried some on a taco and my taste buds did a full 180, so has anyone else had a ferment they were totally wrong about?
Biggest thing is just checking for mold or weird smells - if it smells like rot throw it out, but punky or funky is usually fine. I've saved a few jars that looked scary just by skimming the top and letting them ride a few more days.
Totally wrote off my brother's beet kvass as dirt water. Looked like something from a muddy puddle. Gave it a sip to be polite and it was this crazy, earthy, tangy punch. Now I miss it when we run out.