PRESERVE THE HARVEST SERIES
Preserve the Harvest Series presents a new fruit or vegetable every Tuesday with the goal of helping you get the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables harvested during peak season. Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables, buy them at the Farmer’s Market or your local grocery store, it is good to remember the best time to preserve your bounty is when it is plentiful. Preserving the harvest stocks your pantry shelves and freezer with whole foods that you can feel good about, foods that taste great, and this approach saves you money. A sane approach to sustainability! Next up…Cabbage and How to Make Sauerkraut.
LET’S TALK CABBAGE
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable from the Brassica family, rich in vitamins and minerals. A cool weather crop, cabbage doesn’t like the heat so it should be planted in early spring and/or mid summer. Depending on the climate, it is best to plant seeds indoors or in a green house and transplant out into the garden. This method gives the cabbage plants opportunity to fully mature before the heat of summer kicks in or the possibility of damage from frost in late fall.
Multiple varieties of cabbage provide a little something for everyone, each with their own unique color and flavor. Mother Earth News does a great job of listing all the varieties and their particular characteristics which you can see here… All about Growing Cabbage as well as more detailed information if you are thinking about starting a few plants for the fall.
When harvesting cabbage look for firm heads that have reached the desired weight for the variety you have planted. That can vary from 1-3 pound heads so be sure to pay attention to the type you have planted. You will know you have waited too long if the heads start to split. If this takes place harvest immediately. It is best to harvest in the cool of the morning like most other crops. Use a sharp knife and cut heads away at the base. Bring heads indoors or place in the shade until ready to bring indoors. If you would like to continue having cabbage during the summer, leave the main plant intact after the cabbage has been cut away and small cabbage heads will form. The new heads will not be as tight and will be quite small, but will taste great just the same.
Cleaning cabbage is fairly simple. Cabbage flies and green worms love to snack on the leaves and may burrow a bit if left unchecked in the garden. To rid your cabbage of these pests, simply remove all the outer leaves that have been infested. Rinse the outer head and you are good to go. To store cabbage, make sure to first dry completely, then lightly wrap the cabbage in plastic and place in the refrigerator. It should last for two weeks or more.
HOW TO MAKE SAUERKRAUT: THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
- Harsch Fermenting Crock – When I first started making sauerkraut it was a tedious and messy process. It entailed cutting my cabbage by hand to get just the right size pieces and pounding it forever to release the juices that were needed to cover the cabbage. Once the cabbage was snug in its place the messy job was only beginning. I then had to skim white scummy bacteria off the top of my fermenting sauerkraut every few days. The bacteria was harmless and the sauerkraut always came out delicious, but I knew there had to be a better way. I did a little research and discovered the Harsch fermenting crock. Making Sauerkraut is now as simple as 1,2 3! You can read more in detail about the German made fermenting crocks at the Canning Pantry.
Fermenting Crock can be purchased here Schmitt 5L Gairtopf German Fermenting Crock Pot – ME3205
- Vegetable Stomper – The next thing I searched for was a vegetable stomper to make releasing the juices from the cabbage an easier task. I wanted something that fit well in my hands, was hefty enough to make a difference and had a larger surface that came in contact with with the cabbage. I found one at Amazon that was absolutely everything I could ask for. The stomper is handcrafted in the USA and made of unfinished maple wood, with no harsh chemicals used in the process; something I could feel good about purchasing. This has cut the time I spend pounding my cabbage in half, if not more. It was well worth the investment for me.
The Vegetable Stomper can be purchased at amazon using the following link Vegetable Stomper – Vegetable Pounder
- Food Processor – Lastly, a food processor turned out to be a great tool to shred my cabbage. When first starting to make sauerkraut I had read that purists never used a food processor to shred cabbage because the shreds would be too small for sauerkraut. So I patiently cut up every head by hand, taking valuable time up I couldn’t afford during the busy harvesting season. I would still be doing this painstaking work if my husband Tim had not inadvertently “showed me the light”, so to speak. It happened one year when I had was gone during the harvesting of cabbage and Tim volunteered to make the sauerkraut for me while I was gone (he is a sweet guy, I know). I gave him strict instructions on how to make the sauerkraut, but he had no patience for cutting it by hand. Out came the food processor, the sauerkraut was some of the best we had ever made and I was a convert.
Food Processor – Cuisinart DLC-2009CHB Prep 9 9-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
THREE KEYS TO REMEMBER WHEN MAKING SAUERKRAUT
- Keep it Clean – It is essential when making sauerkraut that everything is sparkling clean and free of any residue. All the requirements for forming bacteria will be present and is, in fact, necessary for the fermentation process, but bad bacteria can grow in this environment too. Starting squeaky clean helps to prevent the bad bacteria from forming.
- Keep it Under Brine – It is essential the cabbage stays under the brine. If the cabbage is not weighed down it will float. Fermentation only takes place with the absence of air. Air plus cabbage equals rot. Keep it under brine.
- Keep it Salty – The right ratio of salt to cabbage is necessary for the fermentation process to occur. A simple ratio of 3 tbsp salt to 5 pounds of cabbage is the rule of thumb. When using the Harsch fermentation crock, the salt can be decreased slightly but I find that the 3 tbsps of salt does not leave the Sauerkraut tasting salty and I actually prefer this ratio.
- 3 tbsp canning and pickling salt for every 5 lbs cleaned and cored cabbage (preferably organic and freshly picked)
- A few large cabbage leaves to cover cabbage before weighting down and to keep cabbage from floating up.
- For additional salt brine if necessary:
- 1 quart water
- 1 tbsp canning and pickling salt (prepare by placing 1 quart water and 1 tbsp salt in microwave for 2-3 minutes until salt has dissolved. Remove from microwave and cool.
- Shred cabbage in food processor with largest shredding blade (can be cut by hand into small shreds if desired).
- Place all cabbage in large clean bowl. Sprinkle with salt and mix well.
- Place 2-3 cups shredded cabbage in crock and pound well until tightly packed and juices begin to accumulate. Repeat process. Until all cabbage has been pounded and juices are flowing.
- Place large cabbage leaves on top of pounded cabbage. Add weights and push down firmly to submerge cabbage completely under brine. If there is not enough juice from the cabbage to completely submerge cabbage and weights, cover with prepared brine that has been cooled.
- Once cabbage has been weighted and completely submerged place lid on the crock and pour water around the rim to complete the water seal.
- Place in warm dry area ideally between 65 - 72 degrees.
- Fermentation process takes anywhere between 10-20 days depending on temperature. The warmer the air the quicker the fermentation process.
- Once Sauerkraut is fermented it can be removed from crock and stored in the refrigerator or canned as desired (see link below).
Additional resources and references:
Ack My Sauerkraut has Mold On It: Northwest Edible Life
Sauerkraut Fermentation: FPM Knowledge Center
Preparing and Canning Fermented Foods, Sauerkraut: National Center For Home Food Preservation
Purchase: (afiliate Links)
Vegetable Stomper – Vegetable Pounder
Cuisinart DFP-14BCN 14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel
Preserve the Harvest Series: How to Make Sauerkraut shared with:
*Table for Seven: Share Your Stuff Tuesday’s *Creative K Kids: Tasty Tuesday’s *My Paper Craze: Creative spark * The Crafty Wife: Wednesday Roundup *The Shady Porch: Party on the Porch *Crafty Allie: Worthwhile Wednesdays *Sweet Haute: Sweet Haute Share Link Party *Lambert’s Lately: Create It Thursday *Momma Lew: The Pin It Party *Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursday *Organaized 31: Inspire Us Thursday *Nancherrow Life at our House: Friday’s Unfolded *Happy Blessed Home: Family Fun Friday * Juggling Real Food and Real Life: Let’s Get Real *Create with Joy:Friendship Friday *The Cookie Puzzle: Party in Your PJ’s *Love Bakes Good Cakes: Freedom Friday’s *Krystals Kitsch: Foodie Friday The Pin Junkie: Pin Junkie Pin It Party *The Diary of A Real Housewife: Friday Favorites *Kitchen Dreaming: The Weekend Social *In the Kitchen with Jenny: Foodie Friday’s *Captain America and His English Rose: The Pretty Pintastic Party *Colorado Springs Tours and Reviews: Friday Favorite *What’s on the List: Say G’Day Saturday *2 Crochet Hooks: Snickerdoodle Sunday *Happy House and Home: Merry Monday *Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter: Mommy Monday *Create With Joy: Inspire Me Monday *The Ultimate Linky: Pinterest Party *The 21st Century Housewife: The Hearth and Soul Blog Hop
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Hi Shari,
That is wonderful to make our own saruerkraut. Thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop and pinning.
Swathi recently posted…Strawberry Limeade
Thank you. Love you hop and I appreciate you stopping by.
Blessings, Shari
Wow! i never knew how much effort making sauerkraut takes. I love your photos and I could eat a head of cabbage daily. Thanks for linking up last week to Friday Favorites, hope to see you this week too!
Well come on over to my house because I have plenty of cabbage waiting to be gobbled up! I appreciate you stopping by to share. Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Shari
I have yet to try my hand at anything like this, but your tips and instructions are a great resource if I ever decide to make sauerkraut. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.
Thanks Erlene. Love your party at Merry Mondays. Thanks for doing what you do to make it special.
Blessings,
Shari
Wow I’m ready to come over and make some Rueben’s! Thanks for linking up at the Creative Spark Link Party! I hope you will stop by again today to link up! http://bit.ly/1kbGQ7W
Reuben’s is one of the first things we make with our sauerkraut. So delicious! Thanks for stopping by. I have been to your party today and all linked up.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for coming and linking up at #The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on Kitchen Dreaming.com ! I hope to see you there! Pinned
It was my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
I have never made sauerkraut before, but I went to a class on fermenting foods last year and learned how to make sauerkraut there. It took me a long time to get up the courage to actually eat it, but once I did I found out that I love sauerkraut! I will definitely be making more of it!
I found your post on Inspire Me Monday. Thank you for sharing there!
Missy @ Dot-to-Dot Connections recently posted…Lemon Balm – Home Grown & Home Made
Hi Missy, thanks for stopping by and it is great to meet you. Fermented foods are incredibly healthy. We look forward to our sauerkraut every year. It tastes great too. I appreciate you stopping by and taking a moment to share. Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Shari
i’ve never thought to make my own sauerkraut before.. definitely something i need to trial in my kitchen. thanks for the inspiration!
Thalia @ butter and brioche recently posted…Espresso, Vanilla Bean and Cacao Nib Granola
I love the taste of homemade sauerkraut so much better than what you can buy in the store. It is healthier too! Thank you for stopping by and taking a moment to share. Comments always make me smile!
Blessings,
Shari
I love sauerkraut. It’s crazy how good for your fermented food is! Pinning this to the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesday board. Thanks for linking up!
Dina recently posted…How to create a backyard wonderland
The pleasure was all mine Dina. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Yum! I love homemade sauerkraut! This reminds me that I really need to make some. Great photos!
Lydia Larae recently posted…Lately…Week Four
Thanks Lydia. I tasted mine last night and it is just about perfect! I can’t think of anything better on pork chops than sauerkraut! Can’t wait for that first bite! I appreciate you stopping by for a visit.
Blessings,
Shari
Wow Shari! You are amazing. Since I discovered the health benefits of fermented foods, I have been trying to serve sauerkraut more, but I have yet to make it. I look at the big cabbage and the market and think……….wow……….that could be a lot of kraut. I’m still not convinced I’m up to the challenge, but I can see how having the right tools will definitely help. Thanks so much for sharing this with our Let’s Get Real readers. I really do love your Preserving the Harvest series.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life recently posted…Juggling Real Food and Real Life Presents………….Sight and Sound Reading’s Fun with Fresh and Frozen Fruit Smoothie
Thanks Christina! The health benefits of fermented sauerkraut are high. When I make my sauerkraut I do can some of it which reduces the benefit, but I also make sure to have a large amount of raw in the refrigerator. Both taste great, but the raw is my favorite. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you are enjoying the Preserve the Harvest Series. Next up is Raspberries and I can’t wait to share.
Blessings,
Shari
I absolutely love sauerkraut…I wish someone else in my family liked it! I wish I lived near you…I’d bum some off of you! If you’d let me of course!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…What’s For Dinner, at #FoodieFridays no. 5
You could come on by any time! I always have room for one more at the table.
Blessings,
Shari
I can remember my parents making kraut when I was little, I have never tried it. My guys love kraut and brats. And I like to cook ribs with kraut, onions and tomato sauce. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your day!
Thanks. I appreciate you stopping in 🙂
Shari,
I cannot get over how beautiful your cabbage looks. It is so big and healthy looking. You do an amazing job with your garden. I have never made sauerkraut before. Thanks for all the tips. You make it look so easy. I may just have to try it one day.
Have a wonderful day!
Stumbled, tweeted, pinned.
Diane
Thanks Diane, I do admit gardening is one of my greatest passions. Thank you for stopping by and sharing on social media. Have a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Shari
Not a huge sauerkraut fan, but my husband loves it, so I so need to try this technique to be able to have the option of having it in our house and only to defreeze it to make for him. Thanks Shari for sharing 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…Swallow for The Perfect Anniversary Celebration
It’s funny, Sauerkraut is one of those things that evokes strong emotions. You either love it or hate it, usually there’s no in between. Fortunately, my husband and I are both on the love it side. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
My hubby LOVES kraut (but I do not!) I make him a large batch every spring. So easy to make (but very stinky!) If you can’t find a stomper, use a potato masher.
Jenny.U recently posted…Piña Colada Muffins
It does get a bit pungent, but I love it anyway. Thanks for the tip. It is hard to find a metal masher these days and the plastic ones don’t hold up very well. I love the wood feel in my hands, so nice and solid. Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Shari
Oh my word, you make sauerkraut too! While the kids lived at home, I bottled/canned hundreds and hundreds of bottles every summer, but I have never even thought about sauerkraut. I curtsy low, and concede that the title of ‘Master Preserver’ is yours and well deserved! You really do continue to amaze me. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
As soon as I pick myself up off the floor from laughing, I’ll respond to your comment 🙂 Thank you Carrie for your high opinion of me and your kind words. Sauerkraut is the simplest thing to make when you have the right equipment to do it and it is exceptionally healthy and tasty. Better than anything you can get in the store. My husband makes potato dumplings and freezes large batches. In the winter we pull out a few, slice them up and cook them with sauerkraut. My mouth waters just thinking about it 🙂 As always I love it when you stop by.
Blessings,
Shari