Tell me more ×
Seasoned Advice is a question and answer site for professional and amateur chefs. It's 100% free, no registration required.

Recently I started a batch of sauerkraut, the first after several years. Unlike my previous batches this one is much smaller (half a head of cabbage, as opposed to several full heads), uses Morton's Kosher salt as opposed to sea salt, and fermentation was started in a large bowl as opposed to a crock.

Today I received a new crock, and transferred the batch from the bowl into the crock. The sauerkraut is about 72 hours old, and seems to be progresssing and expected--however as I transferred the kraut I noticed that the brine appeared slimy as it dripped. Aside from it's appearance when dripping it seems normal (I tasted a small amount, it smells like it should, and when the brine is standing still it appears normal. I also ran some of the extra brine through my fingers and it didn't feel slimy).

I'm curious if this is normal--perhaps either because the the kraut is relatively young (at only 3 days), or perhaps because of using "plain" kosher salt which may have additives such as anti-caking agents. Or perhaps it is perfectly normal and I've just never noticed it before, as I've never transferred a batch between vessels before.

share|improve this question
just to clarify, the only thing that appeared strange was the manner in which the brine dripped--so perhaps it is normal and I've never noticed, or is typical when using "plain" salt – STW Feb 23 '12 at 1:26
Kosher salt has no additives -- that's it's main feature compared to table salt (that and texture). – Josh Caswell Feb 25 '12 at 22:18

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

I recently made a batch of kimchi and had the same experience - slimy looking brine. That said, I had added red pepper slices (which was new for me).

The kimchi tasted normal and I ate it and experienced no ill-effects.

I say it's good. IANADr

share|improve this answer
thanks for the feedback. If you've made this same recipe before, do you know of any variables that may have contributed to it? – STW Feb 29 '12 at 20:14
The variation was the addition of red bell pepper - and a not-insignificant amount. – Trey Jackson Feb 29 '12 at 21:25
It turned out fine, it seems to have lost the obseved "slimy" appearance, so perhaps it's normal in "young" kraut – STW Mar 12 '12 at 13:29

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.