18 Unique Recipes That Use Sauerkraut (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you eat sauerkraut consistently? ›

Regularly consuming probiotic foods like sauerkraut may reduce your risk of developing infections like the common cold and urinary tract infections . It may also help you recover faster . Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamin C and iron, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system.

Improve Digestion

For people with diarrhea, fiber can absorb excess water and solidify their stool. However, it's not just sauerkraut's fiber content that makes this food so good for digestion. Sauerkraut is also packed with probiotics that can improve your overall gut health.

One important issue to remember is that cooking sauerkraut will kill off the probiotic bacteria that we want to consume. Even after cooking, sauerkraut is a healthy, cabbage-based dish, but it will be missing out on that probiotic boost. So, when possible, try to add your sauerkraut to your dishes uncooked.

Raw sauerkraut can be enjoyed as is, by the forkful. Just take the jar out of the fridge, grab a fork, and enjoy the health benefits! Eat a forkful once or twice a day straight from the jar.

To take advantage of the health and probiotic benefits of sauerkraut (that are lost when cooked in a dish), it's recommended to consume it raw. Add sauerkraut to a Reuben sandwich, mix it into tuna, egg, chicken, or potato salad, or eat it straight from the jar.

Sauerkraut is a fermented dish best consumed in the morning at about one tablespoon to 10 grams per day.

Sauerkraut is not just a tasty condiment; it can be a valuable ally in the battle against constipation. Its fiber content, probiotics, and digestive benefits can help promote regular bowel movements and overall gut health.

Sauerkraut that's gone bad might feel different. It might turn slimy or be too soft. If it's not firm and crisp like it should be, it may not be safe to eat.

Sauerkraut from fermentation is a common and traditional form of preserving cabbage. Beware, though, that sauerkraut side effects, such as bloating, gas and digestive discomfort, are common, especially in those who are not used to fermented foods.

There's no wrong way to serve it. Sauerkraut is one of those super versatile ingredients that can take any meal from average to wow-worthy!

Are you supposed to rinse sauerkraut? ›

It's not necessary to rinse, unless you prefer it that way

Yet, while many agree that this extra step should be avoided, there are exceptions. According to Everyday Health, store-bought sauerkraut is often saltier than homemade versions, making it more than acceptable to dilute the product with water.

But soon after opening, you will find that this sauerkraut can easily dry up if not used within a short amount of time after opening it. If you are refrigerating your sauerkraut, it should stay fresh for about four to six months after opening.

Sauerkraut commonly comes packaged in a brine – usually the same liquid it was fermented in. There are many ways to use this juice, believe it or not, you can even just drink the liquid straight like a tonic!

Depending on your taste, onions, bacon, juniper berries, caraway, and/or cream can be added to and cooked with the Sauerkraut. In many parts of Germany, pork ribs or pork cutlets are cooked in the Sauerkraut to give it a smokey flavor. The pork absorbs the liquid and becomes very soft and juicy.