Can You Freeze Sauerkraut: An Overview of the Benefits
If you love the tangy taste of sauerkraut, you may be wondering if it can be frozen so that you can enjoy it all year round. But can you freeze sauerkraut? Freezing sauerkraut is a great way to store it for longer periods of time, and it can be a great way to preserve the freshness of your sauerkraut. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different ways to freeze sauerkraut, how to thaw it, and the benefits of freezing sauerkraut.
What is sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is a food that has been enjoyed in Central and Eastern Europe for centuries made through a process of fermentation. It is made by salting cabbage and allowing it to ferment in its own juices which turn to lactic acid, giving it a sour, tangy flavour and crunchy texture. Sauerkraut is a versatile dish and can be eaten as a side dish, accompaniment to meats, in salads or sandwiches.
Not only is it delicious, but Sauerkraut is also incredibly good for you. It is a source of probiotics, as well as being high in vitamins and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a great addition to any diet.
So, can you freeze Sauerkraut? Yes, you can. In fact, freezing fermented cabbage is a great way to preserve it for longer. It will keep in the freezer for up to six months, and can be eaten either cold or heated. If you plan to heat it, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before doing so. Especially if you freeze your kraut in individual portions, freezing it is a great way to ensure you always have some on hand to add to your dishes. Whether it’s for a side dish, salad or sandwich, it can be enjoyed all year round.
How To Make Sauerkraut?
When it comes to making sauerkraut at home, the process couldn’t be simpler. All you’ll need is some good ingredients. At its most basic you will need cabbage, salt and a large jar or container. But you could add other things like horseradish, apples and jalapenos.
Start by shredding the cabbage and adding it to your container, then sprinkle with salt. The salt helps to draw out the liquid from the cabbage, creating a brine. Mix the cabbage and salt together thoroughly, then press down on it with a plate or other flat object to help release more liquid. Fill the container with brine until the cabbage is completely submerged, then cover and store in a cool, dark place. Then sit back and let the process of fermentation work! After a few days to weeks, your sauerkraut will be ready to eat.
Now that you know how to make your own sauerkraut, you may be wondering if you can freeze it.
Sauerkraut Naturally Has a Good Shelf Life
Before getting onto the topic of freezing kraut, sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage which has been preserved in a salty brine. This process of fermentation naturally preserves the cabbage as the brine becomes an acidic environment, meaning it can last much longer than fresh cabbage. Storing sauerkraut in the fridge can extend its shelf life to up to six months and generally longer, making it a great choice for stocking up your pantry. The main risk of storing for longer is that you may compromise the taste and texture, rather than a risk of it going bad. The longer it ferments, the more acidic and soft it can become.
That is where freezing can kick in! Freezing sauerkraut can extend its shelf life even further whilst stopping the fermentation process – preventing it from becoming more sour. This can make it a great option for long-term storage. When freezing sauerkraut, make sure to pack it tightly in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. For the best quality and taste, it’s best to use the frozen sauerkraut within a few months.
Frozen sauerkraut can be used in many recipes, such as soups, casseroles, and salads. This means that you can easily enjoy a variety of sauerkraut-based dishes all year long! So why not give freezing sauerkraut a try today?
Probiotics In Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a popular condiment made from fermented cabbage and is a great source of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, which can help to improve digestion, boost the immune system and improve overall health. Sauerkraut contains a variety of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, which are beneficial for human health.
Probiotics in sauerkraut are beneficial to our health due to the presence of lactobacillus. This type of bacteria can help to break down food in the digestive system, which can help to improve digestion and overall gut health. Additionally, research has shown that it can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of certain illnesses. So, if you’re looking to get more probiotics into your diet, adding sauerkraut to your meals can be a great way to do it.
Does freezing kill the bacteria?
As we have already explored, you can freeze sauerkraut. However, it is important to understand the implications of freezing fermented food. Freezing can reduce the number of bacteria present in food. Sauerkraut is a fermented food, so freezing it may kill some of the beneficial bacteria present in it.
What About Pastuerised and Cooked Kraut?
Freezing temperatures can damage the cell walls of bacteria, rendering them unable to reproduce. However, not all bacteria are affected the same way by freezing temperatures, so it’s important to use proper food safety techniques when handling and storing frozen food. In the case of sauerkraut, especially in the case of store-bought kraut, if it has been pasteurised or cooked, then the bacteria will have already been killed and freezing it will not have any further effect. It is still important to keep the kraut in the refrigerator or freezer, though, to prevent it from spoiling.
So Could I Freeze a Pork and Sauerkraut Cooked Meal?
In short, yes. However, it is important to note that any cooked food, such as pork or sausage and sauerkraut dish, should be cooled to room temperature and placed in an airtight container prior to freezing. This will help to prevent freezer burn and reduce the risk of food spoilage. If possible, try to freeze the cooked pork and sauerkraut as soon as possible after it is cooked, as this will help to preserve the flavour and texture of the ingredients. Be sure to label and date the container and use the cooked pork and sauerkraut meal within two to three months of freezing.
If you are looking for a way to preserve sauerkraut for longer, freezing it is an option but you may lose some of the beneficial ‘good guys’.
Will Freezing Sauerkraut Affect the Texture?
Now that we’ve established that you can freeze kraut. And that it may have some impact on the probiotic good guys in the dish. You may now be wondering if freezing fermented cabbage will affect the texture.
Sauerkraut can be frozen both before and after it has been cooked. You are more likely to find that freezing uncooked kraut has a greater impact on the texture, than freezing cooked sauerkraut. The process of freezing leads to the expansion of water cells in the cabbage which can rupture the membranes of the cabbage. If cooked, this will have already happened, however, if you are freezing uncooked fermented cabbage then you are likely to see your fermented cabbage lose some of its distinctive crunch after defrosting!
Can you freeze cooked sauerkraut?
To freeze cooked sauerkraut, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of headspace in the container to allow for expansion in the freezer. Once frozen, label the container with the date and contents. Frozen cooked sauerkraut can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
When you are ready to eat your frozen sauerkraut, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, thoroughly defrosting it. Before serving, cook the thawed sauerkraut until it is heated through. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious sauerkraut!
How to Freeze Sauerkraut
To freeze kraut, start by transferring the fermented cabbage to freezer-safe containers or a bag. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as the sauerkraut will expand when frozen. Label the containers or bags with the date.
When you’re ready to enjoy the sauerkraut again, simply thaw it in the fridge. Once it’s thawed, use it as you would normally. It’s important to remember that frozen sauerkraut should be used as soon as possible after thawing. Don’t forget to discard any unused sauerkraut after a few days. This will help ensure that you don’t end up with any food poisoning.
Labelling and Dating
When freezing sauerkraut, you should always use heavy-duty airtight containers. This will prevent any air from getting inside and ruining the flavour of the sauerkraut. It’s also important to label and date the sauerkraut before freezing it. This will help you to keep track of when it was added to the freezer and when it needs to be consumed. The date should be clearly written on the lid or container with a permanent marker.
By freezing sauerkraut, you can enjoy it for months at a time. It’s a great way to preserve the flavour and nutritional value of your sauerkraut. So, if you ever find yourself with an abundance of sauerkraut, simply pop it in the freezer for safekeeping.
Avoid ‘The Burn’
Ensure your sauerkraut is properly sealed in an air-tight container before freezing. To extend its shelf life, use a vacuum sealer to remove all the air from the container. For best results, consider dividing the sauerkraut into single-serving portions before freezing. This will make it easier to thaw and use only what you need. When storing sauerkraut in the freezer, use a shallow, wide container and spread out the sauerkraut as much as possible.
Secondly, place the container of sauerkraut in the coldest part of your freezer. Make sure your freezer is adequately stocked with other items to help keep the temperature even. To get the most out of your frozen sauerkraut, try to use it within 6 months of freezing. Always label and date the sauerkraut before freezing, so you know when it needs to be used.
Thawing Safely
When ready to thaw the sauerkraut, it’s important to make sure it’s fully thawed before consuming. It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed sauerkraut.
To thaw the sauerkraut, you can either leave it in its original packaging in the refrigerator or place it in a bowl and cover it with cold water. It’s important to use the thawed sauerkraut within two days and discard any sauerkraut that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Freezing sauerkraut is a great way to save time and money. Just make sure to follow the steps above to ensure that it is thawed and consumed safely.
Maximising Shelf Life – Frozen or Otherwise
While it has a long shelf life when stored correctly, some people may want to freeze sauerkraut for longer preservation. If you’d rather not freeze the fermented cabbage because you don’t want to risk losing its distinctive texture, or possibly risk losing some of the good probiotic bacteria.
If you choose not to freeze it but want to maximise shelf life, it is best to keep sauerkraut in a cool, dry place. It should also be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated after opening. Especially if your kraut is unpasteurised ensure that it remains covered by the acidic salty brine.
So Freezing is an Option, but Consider the Impacts
So in summary, can you freeze sauerkraut? Yes, you can.
Freezing is a great way to keep it fresher for longer. Sauerkraut can be frozen and stored for up to six months while preserving its flavour and texture. To ensure the best results, it is important to seal the sauerkraut in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to use, thaw the sauerkraut in the refrigerator and consume within two days.
However, it may affect the probiotic bacteria and if uncooked, the distinctive texture of this fermented cabbage dish.
Just make sure to follow the precautionary steps and keep an eye on the expiration dates to ensure you’re consuming the sauerkraut at its best.