Why is my Fermenting Sauerkraut so Smelly?
April 14, 2021
No Comments
Does your fermenting sauerkraut smell like dirty diapers, rotten eggs, or bleach? Discover why, if it’s safe, & how to get rid of nasty odor.
How much salt? Should I use a starter? Or, how long should I ferment my sauerkraut? These are just some of the common questions about fermentation. After fermenting hundreds of batches of sauerkraut and other vegetables, I’ve amassed a whole arsenal of helpful tricks and time-saving tips.
Whether you’re trying to prevent dry sauerkraut, figure out how to keep your ferment below the brine, or want to know what to watch and monitor as your sauerkraut is fermenting, I’m here to make sure you are able to ferment a variety of foods you and your family will love to eat.
Home »
How Much Salt Do I Use to Make Sauerkraut?
March 3, 2021
46 Comments
Mushy, moldy sauerkraut? How much salt to use is key when fermenting sauerkraut. Use these measurements to ensure delicious tang and crunch.
Kimchi vs. Sauerkraut [The Complete Guide]
February 17, 2021
No Comments
What are the differences between kimchi & sauerkraut? Is one healthier? Typical ingredients for each? How do you learn to ferment either one?
Best Cabbage for Sauerkraut: How To Choose, Buy, and Store
December 2, 2020
No Comments
Learn the best cabbage for sauerkraut & use my buying tips to select the right head. The right cabbage will ferment into the best sauerkraut.
Best Fermentation Tips [Embrace those B.U.G.S.S.S.]
January 29, 2020
No Comments
The B.U.G.S.S.S. acronym is a fun way to remember six of my best fermentation tips that will help you ferment safe and delicious sauerkraut.
Which Vegetables and Seasonings Should I Use to Make Sauerkraut?
May 23, 2019
18 Comments
Cabbage is a must have when making sauerkraut, but what other vegetables or spices work? Ensure delicious sauerkraut with these suggestions.
3 Key Items for Keeping Your Ferments Safe [BELOW THE BRINE]
November 8, 2018
46 Comments
Crucial for successful fermentation of sauerkraut is keeping everything below the brine and away from air. This is done with fermentation weights and…
Best Way to Remove Odors from Plastic and Silicone [2 ESSENTIAL KEYS]
October 18, 2018
No Comments
Two essential keys to effectively remove smells from silicone & plastic kitchenware. Banish odors of garlic, onions, sauerkraut & tomato from lids, sealing rings.
15 EXPERT Fermentation Tips to Ferment the Perfect Batch Every Time
March 14, 2018
No Comments
15 Fermentation Tips to ensure you successfully ferment your sauerkraut. #7 The best way to hold your ferments below the brine. #4 Do you need to sanitize equipment?
Has Your Sauerkraut Fermentation Gone Bad? Three Fermentation Rules and Many Troubleshooting Tips
February 14, 2018
966 Comments
Are there uninvited guests lurking in your jar of sauerkraut? Follow the three basic fermentation rules and wave good-bye to slimy, moldy, mushy sauerkraut.
SALTY Cabbage to SOUR Sauerkraut: Fermentation Signs to Monitor
October 18, 2017
15 Comments
Fermentation signs for sauerkraut to monitor and tweak. Bubbles rising to the surface? Smell? Color? Overflowing brine? Browning? Dry? Add brine? Or not?
How to Slice Cabbage [Which is the BEST for Perfect Sauerkraut?]
February 15, 2017
26 Comments
Are you looking for evenly fermented sauerkraut that tastes WOW! How to slice cabbage to get the texture you want. Chef’s knife? Mandolin? Food processor?
Dry Sauerkraut? 17 Transformative Tips [BONUS: Gut Shots Recipe]
January 19, 2017
27 Comments
Dry sauerkraut is frustrating to experience. Why? Where did all the brine go? What to do? Simple tips to deal with dry sauerkraut. BONUS Gut Shots Recipe.
5 Ways to Store Fermented Sauerkraut [One is Controversial]
November 17, 2016
21 Comments
Storing fermented sauerkraut can be a challenge when there is not enough room in your refrgerator. Freeze? DIY root cellar? Canning? The heat of canning…
5 Ingredients I NEVER Use in My Sauerkraut [or Vegetable Ferments] and Why
August 31, 2016
64 Comments
Why a starter culture, whey, vinegar, celery juice or leftover brine is not necessary to safely ferment sauerkraut or vegetables. What happens if used?
Salt by Weight for Delicious Sauerkraut… Batch after Batch
May 30, 2016
36 Comments
How much salt – and which salt – is best to repeatedly ferment delicious sauerkraut batch after batch? Salt by taste? Salt by measuring? Salt by weight?
11 Cool Fermentation Tips for Hot Weather
April 20, 2016
11 Comments
Moldy, mushy sauerkraut? Trying to make sauerkraut in hot weather? Fermentation tips cool your ferment and ensure success: Adjust salt, the Wet T-shirt…
A Peek Inside my Refrigerator: I Threw Out 5 Jars of Sauerkraut, One was Pretty Bad!
January 30, 2015
43 Comments
I often get questions: Has my sauerkraut gone bad? Is my sauerkraut safe to eat? How do I know? Let’s look inside my fridge to see if there’s some bad stuff.
Weigh Your Cabbage and Vegetables to Guarantee a Perfect Ferment
September 26, 2014
10 Comments
Tired of bad batches of sauerkraut? How much salt did you use? Learn how a scale and weighing ingredients can make for SureFire Sauerkraut, every time.
How Long To Ferment Sauerkraut?
September 26, 2014
242 Comments
Like a fine wine, sauerkraut does improve with age. Four factors that impact how long to ferment – or “age” – your sauerkraut for maximum health benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lacto-fermented Sauerkraut [FAQs]
September 26, 2014
44 Comments
Find out about benefits, customs, fermentation and fun stuff associated with sauerkraut. What is lacto-fermented sauerkraut? Does sauerkraut give you gas?
