We know that Brassica oleracea has a battalion ofhealth benefits , but incorporate cabbage into your day-to-day life can be a challenge — there are only so many versions of coleslaw and fry dough one can make . One of my pet ways to use and bear on the veg , though , is to make it into sauerkraut .
Fermented foodsare beneficial for digestive health , and sauerkraut is one of the easiest ways to eat a bit of real - food probiotics each day . All that is require is a pinch of decent made kraut at most meal . When it is that uncomplicated and delicious , it ’s easy to get a small shekels into your dieting everyday — plus , you could forego those expensive probiotic pills .
What Is Properly Made Sauerkraut?
Unfortunately , if your sauerkraut formula involve acetum , it wo n’t do . All you need is cabbage , salinity and a moment of forbearance . The bearing of vinegar gives ferment vegetables , like kraut and pickles , a shrewd relish but miss the probiotics that you are take care for .
Kraut For The Home Kitchen
score sauerkrautcan seem daunting to some . Many recipes suggest that you make very large batches , but it ’s really effective if you make your own formula sweet every pair month . In our planetary house , that means making it by the quart or half - gallon rather than in a declamatory soot . Properly made kraut does n’t keep forever . You are n’t going to can it and have a supply for the year — it is a live mathematical product and must be refreshed often .
The large thing about making sauerkraut in small batches is that you could constantly convert the recipe . Our Kid like to mix in carrots and Beta vulgaris while my hubby and I enjoy a savory black pepper or two . Variety is the spice of life-time and you should know it with your wellness supplement as well as your food !
Your Kraut-Making Supplies
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays , I figured I ’d share some of my favorite tools to make small - batch sauerkraut - making easier . you may always purchase a small fermentation crock , but in my kitchen I shoot for to be frugal and keep multitasker tools on hand .
Quart Jar
Who does n’t have a whole basement of these ? We practice them for so many of our basic household needs that they are in among our day-after-day dishes . A quart jar of kraut will last a family of four a couple months if you do n’t get too avaricious with your portion . If you ’d wish to corrode more or apportion with others , you ’ll want to stock up on a software of half - congius jolt .
Glass Weights
Sometimes I use another jar filled with water to weigh down my sauerkraut so it stay below the level of the brining liquid . I find thatCultures for Health ’s Pickle Pebblesglass weight made the process much well-situated inside of a low shock .
Small Stomper
My absolute favorite kraut dick is one thata admirer of mine makesthat doubles as a muddler , but it work great for vegetables . Traditional sauerkraut stompers are made to work in a large porcelain lampblack . When you are shape in a small jar and need to squish your cabbage to unloosen the juice , these large stompers wo n’t work . This beautiful tool is not only handcrafted , but is made from hard wood glean from course toss off trees .
If you ’ve got someone in the family that is curious about exploring natural solutions for digestive health , homemade kraut is a great place to start . Put together a kit of multi - tasking tools for them this holiday season — and add a market run for some cabbage — and I promise you your gift will be well take account !
