Sauerkraut! What's That?
What Is Sauerkraut?
Several varieties of these fermented vegetable products were produced in China as far back as 2,000 years ago.
Romans mentioned preserving cabbages and turnips with salt. Approximately 1000 years later while invading
China it was introduced to Europe in its present form. Once introduced to Eastern Europe it really took off.
After that it spread to France and other parts of Europe.
This type of fermentation was a great source of nutrients during winter months when fresh vegetables were
not available. It’s been said that James cook would often take Barrels of kraut on his sea voyages. They discovered
that it was also a great way to prevent scurvy while out on long voyages on the high sea.
Fermentation
Sauerkraut is basically fermented cabbage with salt, but is also mixed with other vegetables to create a side dish
like a type of relish. Sauerkraut is made by fermentation pickling process also called lacto- fermentation that
is (not heat-treated). Kim chi and pickled cucumbers are also done in this fashion. The cabbage cut up by hand or
shredded, then mixed well with non- iodized salt, then placed into big crocks and left to ferment.
Once the kraut is fully cured it keeps for several months in an airtight container as long as the temperature
stays below 15C or 60F. It does not need to be refrigerated or heat processed. By heating the kraut it destroys
micro- organisms, therefore destroying all the health benefits that give the kraut it’s natural supper food Character.
In Germany the shredded cabbage is quite often mixed with berries, and served as a side dish for pork.
Health Benefits
It is extremely high in vitamins C, B, and k
The fermentation process increases the nutrients making sauerkraut even more nutritious than the original cabbage. It is also low in calories and high in calcium and magnesium, and it is a very good source of dietary fiber, foliate, iron, potassium, copper and manganese.
If sauerkraut is not cooked in anyway it also contains live lactobacilli and beneficial microbes and is rich in enzymes. Excellent for digestion and assists the growth of healthy bowel flora, in turn may help fight diseases of the digestive tract.
Europe for centuries to treat stomach ulcers, because of its soothing effect on the digestive tract.
Try a sauerkraut remedy for canker sores.
Rinsing the mouth with sauerkraut juice for about 30 seconds several times a day. Or place a bit of kraut on the affected area for a minute or so before chewing and swallowing the kraut.
Sauerkraut is high in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
To receive the optimal health benefits from eating cabbage, one must eat raw it raw, as heat destroys all health benefits of fermented cabbage.
So eat your sauerkraut for the health of it.
Ferment4health Sauerkraut comes in five flavours so you can have different one each day.
