If you have tried fermented cabbage, then you’re probably familiar with the term sauerkraut or otherwise have the question, what is sauerkraut?
Well, it is a dish made out of fermented cabbage and is a straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients.
So what does sauerkraut taste like? Well, sauerkraut offers different flavors, and in this article, we will take a look into its usages and nutritional benefits.
If you are just as desperate as we are to unravel sauerkraut secrets, we recommend you to stick with this article.
Besides, fermented cabbage can be a delightful treat if your pair it with the right ingredients.
What is Sauerkraut?
Fermented cabbage has a long history that dates back to 2000 years or even more. It originated from China, where people used fermentation to preserve foods from spoilage.
The idea slowly became popular in many cultures, and Germany holds to the title of naming it as sauerkraut.
As sauerkraut undergoes fermentation, it offers several health benefits and provides your body with helpful nutrients that is more than you get from fresh cabbage.
The microorganisms that develop during the fermentation process convert the natural sugars into organic acids and carbon dioxide.
It is a similar process where beneficial probiotics grow, which is also present in products such as yogurt.
What Does Sauerkraut Taste Like? Does Sauerkraut Taste Good?
Sauerkraut has a very soft texture, which resembles cooked noodles as it contains moisture. Sauerkraut in the German language means sour greens, and the taste justifies its name.
But due to fermentation, sauerkraut carries more complex flavors such as spicy, salted, and sweet.
Many people consider it similar to fermented kimchi, but the Korean recipe is spicier than sauerkraut as it uses more spices during the fermentation process. Their taste also differs due to the usages of secondary ingredients in them.
If you are preparing sauerkraut, you might want to keep it fermented for longer as the fermentation process allows it to become more flavorful and tangier.
Apart from being a flavorsome treat, sauerkraut offers several health benefits as it contains lots of nutrients.
It helps in improving your digestion by reducing constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and ulcerative colitis, among others. It also helps in boosting your immune system and maintains brain health.
People with weight concerns would love to hear that it also helps you to lose weight but in a delightful manner.
How to Make Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is very easy to make and requires less effort. You can also make it cost-effective by adding minimal ingredients to the mix and in simple steps.
You can follow the below-listed steps to make sauerkraut from the comfort of your home. What do you need?
- Cabbage
- Salt
- Carrots
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Beets
- Earthy turmeric
Steps to follow:
- Cut the cabbage into small slices and add salt to it
- Massage the cabbage for about 10 minutes and look for signs such as reduced size or released more liquid
- Shred beets and carrots into the bowl
- Next, you should mix freshly grated ginger and minced garlic
- The earthly turmeric at the end ensures that your sauerkraut is ready for fermentation
- Store it in a sterilized jar and away from sunlight
Tip: For optimum fermentation, keep it longer than 14 days. Expired sauerkraut exhibits off-smelling aroma or weird color or texture.
Conclusion
Whether you eat it raw or cooked, sauerkraut is going to leave you delighted.
As it infuses a tangy flavor into soups, sandwiches, and savory dishes, having a jar of fermented sauerkraut is always a welcome sign for any home.
Besides, everyone wants food that offers excellent health benefits and also scores high on their taste buds.
What Does Sauerkraut Taste Like? Does Sauerkraut Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Sauerkraut
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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