Sauerkraut

Thinly cut cabbage that has been fermented by different lactic acid microbes is called Sauerkraut.

Fermenting is an ancient method for preserving food and enhancing its nutritional value.

Truth be told, bespoke homemade sauerkraut is one of the cheapest and most effortless approaches to add probiotics to your diet.

Hands-on preparation of Sauerkraut requires 30 minutes only and you get to enjoy tasty, fresh, salty sauerkraut for several months! The recipe given below will get you 2-quarts of the delightful Sauerkraut.

Health Facts

Amid fermentation, billions of healthy microorganisms are formed. If made at home, these beneficial bacteria will still be present when you eat it and help your gut flora.

Sauerkraut contains large amounts of dietary fiber, and additionally high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and different B vitamins. It is a good source of iron, manganese, copper, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, and even contributes a moderate measure of protein to your diet.

Ingredients

heads of cabbage (about five pounds): 2

cup of salt: 1/4

caraway seeds (optional): 2 tbsp

fermentation crock with weight

gallon size mason jars with fermentation weights and airtight lid: 1 1/2

How To Make Sauerkraut

1. Cut the cabbage into quarters for easy slicing and slice the cabbage into very thin ribbons. A food processor can speed up the process if you have one.
2. Take a large bowl and put the finely chopped cabbage into it. Dust salt over it. Mold and squish the cabbage/salt using your hands for around 10 minutes. The cabbage will start discharging liquid in a couple of minutes and by the end, there should be enough liquid brine to swathe the cabbage in a jar. Include caraway seeds at this point if you are using them.
3. Load the cabbage into jars(s) or fermentation crock. Dispense the liquid from the bowl into the jar. Add just enough water to make sure the water/brine covers the cabbage fully, if needed.
4. Now include fermentation weights and fermentation seal (or use the fermentation crock). If you are only using a mason jar, this could also be done by adding a smaller jar that just fits perfectly inside the cover of the Mason jar. Covering both the jars using a cloth and a rubber band. 
5. The fermentation process will begin within a day and take 2-5 weeks depending on temperature. Check for the desired tartness after two weeks.
   The sauerkraut gets its best flavor within a 2-3 week period. The only measure here is the ‘taste’; check and stop fermentation if the desired taste is there.
   Note:It is usual to see bubbles, white scum, or foam on top during the fermentation process, but there should not be mold. If there is, scuff it off the top; the cabbage below the brine level should still be good. 
6. It can be eaten right away once fermented or stored and used for up to 6 months.
7. Enjoy!

Trivia

Fermented foods have a long history in numerous societies, with sauerkraut being a standout amongst the most popular traditional, fermented dish of cabbage. The Roman journalist Cato (in his De Agri Cultura) and Columella (in his De re Rustica) also specified fermenting cabbages and turnips with salt.