Sauerkraut: l have been reading a lot lately... - Healthy Eating

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Sauerkraut

5 months ago•10 Replies

l have been reading a lot lately about the benefits of sauerkraut, l have never tasted it and was thinking of buying some from a supermarket any thoughts please?

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kingsnorth

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10 Replies

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Whydothis5 months ago

As I understand it, the sauerkraut you can buy in the supermarket is good, because good things happen to the cabbage etc when it is fermented.

On the other hand, it has generally been pasteurised after fermentation, so it will keep, and if you can get it unpasteurised, so it’s still alive, that’s even better!

I have made it myself successfully - it’s surprisingly easy - and I also sometimes buy some online

Cooper27Administrator5 months ago

It might be worth seeing if there's anywhere you can try some, before committing to a large jar, as it'd be a lot, if you decide you don't like it.

The benefits of saurkraut generally come from the bacteria that grow on it when it ferments. If you're buying in the supermarket, you need to check you're not buying pasteurised saurkraut, as that means it has been heat treated to kill off any bacteria. Non-pasteurised saurkraut will more likely be in the fresh section.

I generally serve it with stir fry, fajitas, burgers that sort of thing.

Activity2004Administrator5 months ago

I have sauerkraut with some burgers when at a cookout type of get together. It’s a good side dish and/or topping.

Anonymous_lad5 months ago

From what I understand, the sauerkraut available in supermarkets is good because the fermentation process results in several health benefits. However, most of the sauerkraut available in stores has been pasteurized after fermentation to increase its shelf life. If you can find unpasteurized sauerkraut, which is still alive with beneficial bacteria, it's even better.

kingsnorth in reply to Anonymous_lad5 months ago

thank you l will look for it

Midori4 months ago

It can be very salty, so get some out of the pack and rinse it well before eating it.

Eryl in reply to Midori4 months ago

By washing it you will be washing away a lot of the good bacteria. I've tried a couple of different supermarket brands and neither were particularly salty. What's wrong with salt anyway?

Midori in reply to Eryl4 months ago

If it's supermarket, either tinned or bottled; it will be pasteurised or Ultra Heat Treated, in order to stabilise the product and increase it's life. This can negate the healthy properties of the product. Fresh Saurkraut is lovely, but the supermarket products pale in comparison.

Many folk have to have a reduced salt diet due to other conditions, such as high blood pressure or, in some cases diabetes. Most of us eat too much salt anyway, so rinsing (not washing) the product can reduce the residual salt on the product.

Cheers, Midori

Eryl in reply to Midori4 months ago

High salt intake causing high blood pressure is a myth. youtu.be/BIwhVshA1Nk?si=qdx...

Midori in reply to Eryl4 months ago

I'm not going to get into an argument with you over this, people need the info, not two folks slagging each other off. Suffice it to say that I have reacently retired from nursing, so I don't need to rely on Youtube for info.

Cheers, Midori

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