Making Homemade Saurkraut
Living here on the farm has been so much fun and satisfying. I love finding ways to create homemade versions of food using things I grow, pick up at the local Amish market, or discover around the farm. One of the projects I’ve been wanting to try for a while is homemade sauerkraut.
Recently, I picked up a fresh head of cabbage at the local market, pulled out my ferment jar, and decided it was finally time to learn something new.
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The Simple Process
Making sauerkraut is easier than most people think. It doesn’t take many ingredients—just cabbage and salt—but it does take patience. Most people say that it takes at least two weeks and sometimes up to four to get the perfect tangy flavor.
Prep the Cabbage
- Remove the outer leaves.
- Cut out the tough core from the center.
- Chop the cabbage as fine (or as chunky) as you prefer.
Add the Salt
- Sprinkle salt over the cabbage.
- Some people say to massage the cabbage until the juices start to release. I just left it in the bowl for about 30-45 minutes. This natural brine is what makes the sauerkraut ferment.
Pack and Ferment
- Pack the cabbage tightly into your fermenting jar.
You can use a regular jar or even a bowl if you want to improvise, but I love this Ball fermenting jar. It’s so easy to use and I don’t have to remember to burp it regularly. - Pour in any extra liquid from the bowl so the cabbage is completely covered.
Wait and Taste
- Place a lid or fermentation weight on top.
- Store the jar at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
- After about two weeks, start tasting. If it’s tangy enough for you, it’s ready! If not, let it ferment longer—up to four weeks.
There’s something so satisfying about knowing that I’m eating as close to the original as I possibly can. Now I think we’ll have to do hotdogs and sauerkraut this weekend.
Looking for another fun way to slow down and enjoy your farm life favorite veggies and desserts? How about these adorable amigurumi kits with everything included. Perfect for the coming colder nights when you are ready to enjoy your home sauerkraut or soups and sit down and crochet something fun!
Here’s a sneak peak of two kits that are going to be available very soon! Get them on your wishlist and be ready to order next week!
Crochet Your Veggies Amigurumi Kit: Avocado makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the calming art of crochet. Perfect for beginners, this all-in-one kit from Schiffer Publishing includes 100% cotton yarn, a crochet hook, stitch marker, tapestry needle, fiberfill, and step-by-step instructions with exclusive videos. Everything comes neatly packaged in a slide-out box, so you can create a cute, squishy avocado with ease—no mess, no stress. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or gifting it to someone special, this charming kit is a fun and creative way to “grow” your own little amigurumi garden. Available September 15, 2025.
And if you prefer to crochet something that will look as tasty as the real thing, check out this cupcake cafe kit!
***Selections vary by season and availability.
