Sauerkraut

[infomaniac]

In my quest for gut health I am keen to make some sauerkraut but I'm a bit concerned re the raw veg. Any thoughts anyone?

[bluebug]

What exactly is your concern?

If you wash and rinse everything thoroughly you shouldn't have problem.

[greygoose]

If you're thinking of goitrogens, forget it. Fermenting removes the nasties, but it's doubtful they would affect you anyway, given that you are on thyroid hormone replacement.

[Saggyuk in reply to greygoose]

I eat raw veg all the time with no problems - my thyroid is long gone anyway so doubt it will cause me any issues lol

[Ruthi]

Why are you concerned about the raw veg? Its sterilised by the salt and fermentation process, and sort of partially digested by the fermentation. So no longer raw by the time you consume it. And to be honest, I have always cooked it, German style, although I can see that will kill off the bacteria.

[infomaniac]

Thanks everyone. Yes Greygoose it was goitrogens I was worried about but you have all put my mind at rest

[Lynneypin]

Good question! I have often wondered this too! Thanks to Greygoose for the reassurance!

[Josiesmum in reply to Lynneypin]

I made half and half grated carrots and cabbage and it was tasty and worked well. Make sure veg is smushed down well so juices thoroughly cover veg.

[SilverAvocado]

Very easy to make. This is the most accessible fermented food, and easy to include in meals.

[Hidden]

Hi you can order online from some UK supermarkets. Organic of course, if preferred, brie cheese, both are good fermented foods. In Germany they eat tons of it and they are very health aware of the gut.

[Josiesmum in reply to Hidden]

Look for raw, fresh sauerkraut because many brands are pasteurised, which kills the beneficial bacteria.

[Zephyrbear]

Mixing it with mashed potatoes and eating together with a smoked pork sausage (Matheson's) is a fantastic stand-by meal for cold days that I have eaten since I was a child in Holland many, many years ago!