Little tricks on how to store sauerkraut in glass jars until spring

Every autumn, sauerkraut is prepared by Russian women in large quantities. The most popular container for storing it is glass jars.

With the right approach, it remains fresh, tasty and crispy for 4-8 months.

Read the article about how to properly store sauerkraut for the winter in glass jars at home, for example, in a pantry, and at what temperature the product should be stored.

Storage conditions: at what temperature

The optimal condition for storing cabbage is air temperature from 0 to +4 degrees. Minor and short-term deviations of 1 or 2 degrees in one direction or another will not affect the taste or shelf life of the product.

However, constant changes must be avoided. Products must be stored in stable conditions.

Fermentation processes are quickly activated if the air warms up above +7...+10 degrees. Under such conditions, the product will deteriorate in 3-4 days.

Cabbage becomes covered with an ice crust when exposed to frost (from -3...-5 degrees), if it does not have additional insulation. When the thermometer drops even lower, the jars freeze, despite the use of blankets or blankets.

Which is correct?

They buy cabbage in the fall. Only healthy, dense forks, without signs of disease or rot, are suitable for pickling.. Young heads of cabbage will not be stored.

The forks are washed, dried, chopped and placed in glass jars, filling them with brine.

The choice of storage container deserves special attention. It is most convenient to use large containers. If the product will be stored in the refrigerator, then purchase 2 and 3 liter jars. For the cellar, you can choose a 5 liter container.

Before filling the jars, they need to be processed. This is done in several ways:

1. Wash in warm water with soda.
2. Steam sterilization. You can place the jar on the neck of a boiling kettle, or on a special lid that is placed on the pan.
3. Sterilization with boiling water.
4. Oven sterilization. They are washed, dried and opened in the oven for 30 minutes.

If you plan to roll the cabbage, you need to choose varnished lids coated with acid-resistant varnish. They are not afraid of acids, do not break down and do not release harmful substances into the product.

You can close the jars with nylon lids. Before use, wash them in hot water and soda. The lids should fit tightly to the neck and not turn.

Pros of using glass storage containers cabbage:

• the ability to select containers of a suitable size;
• ease of processing;
• affordable price;
• reusable;
• environmental Safety.

Options for winter accommodation at home

Store sauerkraut in glass jars almost anywhere. The main condition is compliance with the temperature regime from 0 to +4 degrees.

Possible accommodation options:

1. Fridge. It provides ideal conditions for cabbage packaged in jars. It will not deteriorate and is always freely available. The jars can be placed in the vegetable drawer or on a suitable sized shelf.

   The only disadvantage of the refrigerator is its limited space. If 5-8 cans have been prepared, it is almost impossible to place them in the refrigerator.

2. Balcony. Cabbage in glass is stored on covered loggias and on open balconies. If the winters are cold, then the containers must be insulated with a blanket, rug, padded jackets, etc. The jars should be placed on a raised surface: on a table or in a drawer. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Cellar. Jars of cabbage in the cellar are placed on racks. For additional protection from light, they can be wrapped in foil or newspaper. If the storage temperature is slightly below 0, you can insulate the container with any suitable material.
4. Pantry. It can only be considered if the air temperature in it does not exceed +4 degrees. When the pantry is located in an unheated country house, cabbage is stored in it in the same way as in the cellar.

If the cabbage is not frozen, it must be covered with brine. The exposed product quickly deteriorates and may become moldy. If there is not enough brine, you can add vegetable oil to the container.

Expiration dates

Shelf life of cabbage in the bank directly depends on the ambient temperature:

• in the cellar and in the refrigerator, provided the container is sealed, the product remains fit for consumption for up to 5-8 months;
• if frozen, it can be stored for up to a year;
• at room temperature the product will spoil in 3 days;
• at a temperature of +10 degrees, cabbage will last no longer than 10-15 days.

Helpful information

Helpful storage tips sauerkraut in a jar:

1. If the jar is stored on an open balcony, the cabbage and brine in it will freeze. To prevent the container from bursting, it should not be covered with metal lids. There should not be a large amount of liquid in the jar.
2. The product should thaw gradually, at room temperature.
3. The lid on the jar should always be tightly closed. The less cabbage comes into contact with oxygen, the better.
4. As additional protection against mold, use sugar, lingonberries or cranberries, mustard powder or mustard seeds (they are placed in a jar in a linen bag).

You will find all the most important things about storing sauerkraut Here.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to preserve sauerkraut in glass jars until spring:

Conclusion

Many housewives store sauerkraut in glass jars. This is the most affordable and safest container, which can be placed almost anywhere.

With the right approach and observing the temperature regime, cabbage will remain fresh from autumn until the onset of warm weather.