Sauerkraut was originally invented by the Chinese but it was adopted by the Germans who gave it the name it currently has. That is why the name is a combination of two German words put together; ‘Sauer and Kraut’. Centuries ago while the Chinese people were building the great wall of china and they needed something tangible to feed themselves, they came up with this beautiful dish using rice wine to preserve it. Let’s know more about craft beer sauerkraut.
Craft Beer Sauerkraut
Craft beer sauerkraut is considered a superfood, and an excellent topping for not just hotdogs but right about any dish (protein or starch). It gives an endearing taste and deepens the flavor when it is dipped into beer, sugar, and chili powder; which is an ultimate way to build up the flavor of the sauerkraut. It is a delicious side dish to any dinner menu you choose to enjoy and gives a feel of farm-fresh goodness in the comfort of any kitchen. This artisanal kraut combines a tasty blend of naturally fermented, farm-grown cabbage with premium, wholesome ingredients to offer a tangy, craft-beer flavor that peers well. There are several health benefits attached.
Health Benefits
- It is gluten and cholesterol-free.
- It is farm fresh and handcrafted.
- It serves as a good source of vitamin C that prevents scurvy.
- It has probiotic bacteria that create lactic acid which aids digestion of food.
- Kraut juice dispels constipation and is highly nutritional; asides from soothing the stomach.
- It also serves as a good source of vitamin B.
Ingredients
- Cabbage
- Beer
- Caraway seeds (optional)
- A teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt (not iodized)
Equipment
Glass jar
Saucepan or mixing bowl
Chef knife
Kitchen scale (if you choose to)
Preparation
- Shred the cabbage into long strips, discard the cores or keep them and use them as you like.
- Place them into a saucepan or mixing bowl.
- Add your salt to it (you can decide to add some carrot, apple, radish, capsicum, cucumber, and onions). You can decide to add your salt subsequently not at once; that is while mixing.
- Add your chili powder. You can also decide to add fresh ginger, garlic, or turmeric
- Mix them up for some minutes for the flavor to acclimatize together. Do not stop until it starts to release water.
- Pack the mixture tightly into a jar, leaving at least 4-5 inches at the top. Make sure to keep the cabbage covered with liquid to avoid discoloration.
- Store at room temperature.
Dishes Made Of Sauerkraut
- Potato soup
- German chocolate cake
- Slow cooker
- Pork roast
- BBQ sauerkraut casserole
- Sauerkraut balls
- Sauerkraut soup
- Sauerkraut salad
- Sauerkraut onion bread
- Pierogis filling
- Sauerkraut apple cake
Preservation
- It is safe to store it in a jar or refrigerator
- Ferment for three to four weeks or longer periods depending on how fermented you want it to turn out
- Avoid the use of airtight jars in preserving your sauerkraut. But in situations where you have to use airtight jars, it is necessary to open them up once in a while, especially during the process of fermentation to avoid leakage.
- Do not fill the cabbage to the brim of the jar; there should be a space of 4 to 5 inches.
- Add vinegar to preserve it (optional).
- Plastic freezer bags containing water is effective for weighting.
- It is advisable to ferment it in an area where carbon dioxide is released, so your jar of sauerkraut won’t explode.
Company That Produces Them
GLK Foods
Saverne
Type of Beer to Use
It is best not to use too dark or too light beer. However, you should avoid beers like; pale ales, blonde ales, and weissbiers.
Conclusion
It is believed that eating sauerkraut in the New Year brings you good luck, and the amount of cabbage in the sauerkraut is directly proportional to the amount of good luck you should expect to receive in the New Year. Sauerkraut being a good source of Vitamin B and Vitamin C is one of the most widely consumed probiotics to date.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find craft beer sauerkraut?
A: It is available for order on Amazon
Q: Is craft beer sauerkraut good for my health?
A: Yes it is because it is a good source of Vitamin C that discourages scurvy. It is also a good source of Vitamin B that creates new blood cells and helps to maintain a healthy skin
Q: Is it safe for consumption?
A: It is very safe for consumption.
Q: Is it pocket-friendly?
A: Well, I would say it is because it is sold for $6.73 on Amazon and $2.12 on Walmart
