Warning: my sauerkraut turned into a science project

I had to pick between using my big ceramic crock or just a regular glass jar for a 5 pound batch of cabbage. I went with the jar because it fit in my fridge better. After a week, it exploded all over the shelf, like a fizzy pink mess. Has anyone else had a jar blow up on them, and what do you use instead?

3 comments

3 Comments

nelson.wren1d ago

Oh man, that fizzy pink mess sounds rough... I always use a crock for anything over a couple pounds. The jars just don't give the kraut enough room to breathe and bubble up. You need that extra headspace so the gases can escape without blowing the lid. It's a lesson you only learn once, usually with a big cleanup. Maybe try splitting the batch into two bigger jars next time, with way more room at the top.

andrewwilliams1d ago

Forget the jar, that's a rookie move with five pounds of cabbage. @nelson.wren is totally right about the headspace. My question is about the crock itself. Do you guys really trust those water seals? I had one dry out on me once and the whole batch grew a fuzzy coat. What's your fail-proof method to keep the airlock working for a full ferment without checking it every single day?

zara_murphy451d ago

Ugh, that's the worst. Splitting it up is smart, but honestly I just gave up on jars for big batches entirely. My crock has an airlock so it can bubble like crazy without making a mess.

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