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Homemade Sauerkraut: A Gut-Healthy Fermented Deilight

Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Fermentation Time 14 days
Course Side Dish

Equipment

  • 1 Large glass jar or fermentation crock Or you can divide the batch into small jars.1
  • 1 Sharp knife or mandoline I prefer the mandoline as it is much faster than a regular knife.
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • weights
  • 1 Clean cloth
  • 1 Rubber band

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cabbage (~3 pounds or ~ 1.3Kg)
  • 1 tablespoon non-iodized salt Salt ratio should be 1.5-2% of cabbage weight.
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon juniper berries optional

Instructions
 

  • Remove the outer cabbage leaves. Save one clean leaf to put on top of the jar later.
  • Shred the cabbage finely with knife or mandoline
  • Mix cabbage with salt in large bowl
  • With very clean hands, massage the mixture for 10 minutes until the liquid releases
  • Add the caraway seeds and juniper berries if they are used.
  • Pack the cabbage with its released water tightly into clean jar while pressing down firmly to push it down.
  • Pour remaining liquid over cabbage
  • Place the leaf you reserved at the beginning on the top of the jar
  • Add a clean weight to keep cabbage submerged
  • Cover with cloth and secure with rubber band
  • Store at room temperature (65-75°F) . Make sure to keep the jar in a dark place away from direct sunlight (inside a cupboard)
  • Check daily for 1-3 weeks, remove any surface scum and press it down again
  • Between day 14 and 21 you can transfer to refrigerator when it reaches your desired sourness. Fermentation does not stop in the fridge but it is slowed down.

Notes

  1. Use only non-iodized salt to avoid interfering with fermentation
  2. Keep everything submerged in brine to prevent mold
  3. Clean all equipment thoroughly before use
  4. Always use clean utensils when serving
  5. Keep refrigerated to maintain probiotics
  6. Consume brine too - it's rich in probiotics
  7. Can be eaten raw or cooked (cooking reduces probiotic content)