Skimming the scum that riseth to the top

[Cosmic Frog]

How do you all skim the critters that float to the top in a brine ferment, like in cucumber pickles? I always try to be careful but it always gets mixed in. I'm not too uptight about it but when I give it as gifts, I don't want people to be turned off. I could strain all of the brine after I've retrieved the goodies, but I was hoping to find another way. I was thinking a fish tank net might work..
Any ideas/solutions?

[Christopher Weeks]

I dip a ladle so that it just barely pours over the rim and sucks the scum off. Then I sort of wipe up what's left with a paper-towel which sort of sucks it up. But sometimes I just ignore it.

[Gutted]

What are you referring to? Mould on the surface?

[Christopher Weeks]

In the above, I was responding with the understanding that we were talking about yeast bloom. I treat mold more aggressively.

[Gutted]

In the above, I was responding with the understanding that we were talking about yeast bloom. I treat mold more aggressively.

Ah thanks for explaining......it's not something that I have experienced so far, even after 8 weeks with the previous open ferment. The B.C. seem to be doing their job so well. :o)

[Tibor]

In Asian markets there are many shapes and sizes of Stainless steel strainers with varied densities of screen. What works well for me is a 3 inch round dense screen with an angle like a spatula.