Tips and secrets on how to store sauerkraut at home in the refrigerator

Sauerkraut is tasty and healthy. It is the leader among products in terms of vitamin C content. It is harvested in the fall and then eaten throughout the winter.

Read the article about how and how long you can store sauerkraut at home in the refrigerator (in bags, plastic containers) so that it does not spoil.

Preparation for storage

Sauerkraut is prepared in large quantities and then stored in a cool place.

Before storing the product, you need to properly prepare it. This stage includes the following actions:

1. Cleaning the head of cabbage from dirt, removing excess leaves from it. Only thick, healthy forks are left for slicing.
2. Trimming the stalk, washing the vegetables in warm water and drying them.
3. Preparing jars or containers for storing products. The container must be thoroughly washed with hot water and baking soda.

   You can pour boiling water over the container to ensure that all germs are destroyed. Some housewives prefer to sterilize jars by steaming.

Before proceeding with the final cutting, you need to assess the condition of the fork from the inside by cutting it into 2 halves. They must have a uniform color, without signs of rot, mold or other damage.

After completing all preparatory activities, you need to start preparing the dish no later than 24 hours. If more than 24 hours have passed after washing and drying the heads of cabbage, then they are not used for pickling..

You will find a lot of useful information about ways to store sauerkraut in this section.

How much and how to store in jars, plastic containers, vacuum bags?

Store sauerkraut in jars convenient, although they take up a lot of space in the refrigerator. However, glass is not afraid of contact with acids and does not emit harmful substances. The jars can be securely closed with a nylon or metal lid, which will limit the access of oxygen.

The cabbage is stuffed into the jar as tightly as possible, after which it is filled to the top with brine, to which a small amount of vegetable oil is added. It acts as a preservative and does not affect the final taste of the dish.

Other products to extend shelf life cabbage:

• mustard seeds wrapped in a cloth bag;
• mustard powder;
• cranberries;
• horseradish.

They are added when preparing a dish.

In addition to cans, you can use plastic containers or vacuum bags. If you pump the air out of them, they will shrink and will not take up much space on the shelves. Products are stored in such containers for no more than 45 days.

Freezing and shelf life of the product

Sauerkraut can be frozen. After sharp cooling, it will not lose its taste and will be suitable for consumption. and for preparing various dishes, although certain changes still occur with it.

So, cabbage stops crunching, its appearance deteriorates, and the level of vitamin C decreases.

Procedure:

1. Dense and healthy heads of cabbage are selected, washed, cut and fermented.
2. The brine is drained and the cabbage itself is squeezed out. The less liquid it contains, the better.
3. The finished product is laid out in bags or containers. The weight of one package should not exceed 1 kg. Re-freezing is acceptable, but not recommended.
4. It is not recommended to fill plastic bags completely; there should be up to 20% free space in them.
5. Excess air is expelled from the bags. If a plastic container is used, fill it to the top.
6. If cabbage is frozen in several approaches, then each container must be labeled.
7. Place the products in the freezer on the top shelf. After 2-3 hours it can be put away in the lower drawers.

Cabbage thaws quickly. At room temperature, it returns to its original state within an hour. After 2 hours, fermentation processes begin in it and acidity increases.

Helpful information

To keep sauerkraut longer and not turn sour, You can use the following tips:

1. After the cabbage has fermented, it must be refrigerated without delay. At room temperature it will spoil and become moldy. This product should not be eaten.
2. If you plan to store jars in the refrigerator for a long time, then you need to set the temperature in it not exceeding +4 degrees.
3. The jar must be tightly closed. The shelf life of this cabbage is 4 months. If the container is open, the product will deteriorate within 3 days.
4. The cause of sour cabbage can be bacteria that are on the walls of the jar or container.Therefore, special attention must be paid to their processing.
5. Sugar can be used as a preservative. With it, cabbage will be stored longer. Some housewives add vinegar to the brine, but it slightly changes the final taste of the product. Therefore, it should be used in moderation.
6. Products are frozen without brine. You need to choose thick bags; thin polyethylene will tear and the cabbage will have to be collected all over the freezer.

The freezer comes to the rescue when the cabbage in the main compartment of the refrigerator lasts about 2 months. To prevent unused products from turning sour, they are transferred to bags and frozen.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to keep sauerkraut light and crispy in the refrigerator:

Conclusion

You can store sauerkraut in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and edible for 3-4 months..

Store it in jars, containers or plastic bags. If large volumes have been prepared, you can put the cabbage in the freezer.