An improved weight for use in fermenting vessels (e.g., glazed ceramic fermenting crocks) comprises a multi-sectioned weight made from a non-porous material. The non-porous material is preferably glass, and the glass is preferably non-leaded. In one embodiment, a number of sections of the multi-sectioned weight is 2, and in another embodiment, the number of sections is 4. Use of non-porous material renders the weight impenetrable by the fermenting liquid, and also by mold, harmful bacteria, and/or foul smells that may occur if something goes wrong during the fermentation process.
