I just made sauerkraut!

A little over the top to be this excited but it actually worked!!!

I had got a big crock so a few weeks ago, with a great deal of encouragement from the OH who loves sauerkraut, I made a big batch up and left it to ferment.
Well it started smelling a bit bad recently and a quick peep suggested that it had all gone horribly wrong as there was mould on the top. It was decided that it would need to be thrown out as was clearly going to be inedible. My book does say that if there is mould it can be scraped off but I was pretty dubious.

Today finally got round to donning my rubber gloves to clear it out and what do you know, it was perfect under the thin top layer of scum (not a word I usually like associated with my food)! It tastes amazing and I'm not that much of a fan. The funny thing is that my OH now probably won't eat it as it is now associated with mould etc! I will heat can some for him to see if that will settle him.

it's the thought of the mould that has always put me off trying to eat it - let alone make it  :blink:

When you have the cabbage shredded, you need to hand toss it with the salt, and then mash it into the crock with a potato masher so it's packed down tight and starts making juices. Do the mashing in layers so it's easier. By the time you get to the top you should have more than enough brine to cover the top. I use a dinner place turned upside down and jars filled with water to hold down the plate.

There will always be some scum on fermented foods. It's how the magic happens, so don't fret. Simply take it off with either a wooden spoon or wearing rubber gloves, and set back the plate and water jars. I cover mine with a towel on top to keep out fruit flies. When I'm lazy, I buy mine from a local religious group who make theirs in 55 gallon barrels and there's always scum. They remove as many layers as necessary to get to the good stuff (tasting as they go along).

Oversalting is death to good kraut. About 3 tbsp per 5 lbs of weighed out cabbage is the usual ratio. Doesn't seem much but it works. Hope yours worked out nicely.