Tuesday was the big day! I opened up my fancy shmancy sauerkraut pot to see if I actually had edible sauerkraut after waiting (somewhat patiently) for 4 weeks. The recommended time to allow veggies to ferment is at least 3 weeks, with 4-5 being better.) Check out my post about making the sauerkraut here.Let me tell you, I was actually scared to take the lid off. I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to mold, dark unknown things, cold, damp, etc. I had visions of finding a human head in there or a bunch of creepy crawly things coming out. My mind got a little carried away. I was also a little fearful that the sauerkraut wasn't a success.
So, while my husband was at a meeting today, I marched into the kitchen, determined and brave as all get out, and I lifted the lid off. Hhhmmm... nothing jumped out to bite me. Nothing exploded in my face. I put my nose closer and took a whiff. It was pleasant and mildly sweet and not at all gross. OK... I'm off to a good start. However, I stopped there. When I looked down in the pot at the stone weights on top of my sauerkraut, which were submerged with brine, I got weak in the knees again. I was afraid to stick my hand in there. Better wait until my husband comes home and ask him to do it!
Fast forward to my husband coming home... I was able to talk him into putting his hand in there and taking out the stones and leaves of cabbage that were placed on top of the sauerkraut. I sniffed again and took a closer look. I didn't see any mold. My spirits were lifting by the second. It was time to taste it. Uummmm.... "Honey, you go first." Nope, he wouldn't do it - LOL. So, I took a tiny nibble of a piece that was accidentally flung on the counter. OMG! It was so good!!!! I took an actual bite. Wowee!!!! Success!!! I gave a fork full to my husband and he was majorly impressed. What a relief!
I transfered it all to my quart size glass mason jars (I filled 6 of them!) and sealed them with my Food Saver (using my glass mason jar attachment). I'm so happy! It worked! It's homemade! It's extra healthy! It's locally grown and organic! It's made with massive love.
The picture above features my beautiful organic, raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut in the front bowl - I love the gorgeous golden-yellow color. The bowl in the back is holding some fermented raw veggies from Rejuvenative that I bought at Whole Foods. Sorry, that stuff doesn't hold a candle to my homemade goodness.
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26 comments:
Congrats on your success! I want to try kraut sometime!
haha...love the comparison. I am very inspired by you and Earthmother's fermented veggies.
Yum Yum YUM!! You know I am jealous!!! Kraut Sista! :)
I love Kraut! You are very brave- no way I would attempt to make it at home. lol 4 weeks is a long time! lol
:) tj
Awesome! I'm not a fan (usually) of sauerkraut but my hubby is so I/we will have to try this and who knows? I might actually like it! :)
thats awesome!!! i might need to give this a whirl (and buy the tools). i haven't had kraut in forever due to the freaky ingredients they put in there. what do you eat it on since hot dogs are obviously out? ;)
Great question Fitnessista,
When my husband wants a real treat, we do indeed put it on soy brats. ;) And, while I haven't tried this, I heard that vegan pizza (no cheese) is great with fresh sauerkraut piled on top and it takes on a cheese type flavor.
Usually though... I (in no particular order):
1) eat it straight
2) top salad with it
3) on raw or toasted bread
4) on raw flax crackers
5) on veggie burgers (no raw)
6) on raw nut burgers or pate
I really love it and can't help but love my homemade kraut the best. I read that when you make it homemade, it has the best flavor... they were right!
Cheers,
Kristen
i still want to make this for my dad. he grew up in saurkraut country.
YUM!!! Looks awesome Kristen. Feel free to send me some in Oz via post ;)
Oh yay Kristen!!!! I can't wait to try it!!!! I'm so glad it was a success!!! I can't believe it takes 4 WEEKS to make!! geez!! how did you not peek at it every once in a while?? Lol.
I like how your hubby had to take the stones out!! you're so funny!! I can totally picture you getting all worried and grossed out!!
Ha ha ha!!!
you make me laugh!!
Congrats on your success!!!
Love you!!
I am so happy to hear that you had success! How fun and exciting!
i love kraut so much i asked for one of these jars for my birthday (keeping my fingers crossed)! i'm glad it was a success... 6 quarts would not last long around my house. :) (oh, i love it on vegan pizza - the best)!
Well, I said it before and I'll say it again, you have the patience of a saint. I can barely wait the 7 days it takes mine to ferment.
You know, I couldn't figure out the whole 4 week thing, but after hearing that you filled a half dozen quart-size mason jars, I get it. I only make a mason jar at a time. I had no idea your special crock was so large!
Hurry, start the next batch!
Wow I am salivating thinking about it! Yummo.
Wow, that was quite the sauerkraut adventure. I'm glad it turned out tasty for you! I'd love to try it sometime, but I don't think I am patient enought to wait 4 weeks.
this is wonderful.
oh i was laughing as you were telling the story.
i absolutely love saurkraut, coming from eastern europe. i like it with mustard (real mustard) on it.
i must make this one day.
I love kraut and I know your homemade kraut is hands down better than any store bought brand. You've inspired me to try and make it. :-)
Hi Ingrid,
That's fantastic! It's such a fun process.
I gave some to friends to taste test and they (including their 2 year old) couldn't get enough of it! I was elated! :)
Cheers,
Kristen
Kristen, your comment made me smile! Besides one or two comments, I've been a total lurker of your blog for months now. So it was quite a happy surprise when I saw your name on my Wordpress pending list. :) Thank you.
Being that I'm a HUGE saurkraut addict, I'm beyond fascinated by your homemade saurkraut! I'm definitely putting that little miracle pot on my "To Buy When I Have Money and Live in My Own House" list, as my Mom is getting sick of all my gourmet food gadgets. (Her friend is offering me a Vitamix at a MAJORLY discount price and I'm trying to convince her that I can store it in my bedroom closest! :P)
Best wishes!
Hey I'm Pheebs and I'm new to blogging. I just wanted to say thanks for posting about such an amazing idea! I will definitely have to try this myself!
Woo hoo, Go Kristen!!
I loveeee when kitchen experiments are a success! You've inspired me-- since I can't do miso (no soy for me) I really should be eating something fermented and this would be a great choice. I have never ever had sauerkraut before (even back in my hot dog eating days)... what can you compare the flavor to? Is it an acquired taste?
Thanks for the inspiration, hope you have a lovely weekend!!
Hi CoconutGal,
GIRL!!! You CAN have miso!!!!! SouthRiverMiso (the BEST miso on the planet) offers soy free varieties!!! It's scrumptiously delicious!
Sauerkraut... it's like pickles I suppose. Some LOVE it right away, some say it's acquired. For those who say it's acquired, they usually eat it "with" stuff. For example, topped on a salad or vegan burger or toast or flax crackers.
Cheers!
Kristen
Okay, you convinced me to get one:) It would be a bit nerve racking putting that much time and effort into something just to have it go badly. Way to go!
Great suggestions on how to eat it in your response to Gina. The thought of munching it on raw flax crackers is persuading me that it might be necessary to bookmark your post :)
Wow :) congrats kristen, bravo, bravo!
Kristen, what about the pickled Daikon radish that is sold on the Gold Mine Natural Foods website? Is that as good and healthy for you as sauerkraut? Thanks!
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