How many batches of kraut have you wasted by using a make-shift method for fermentation?
If you’re like me, your answers is “quite a few.”
I really hate to spend money on kitchen items I don’t need am not really going to use, but a good sauerkraut crock is a must-have.
It is true that instead of a crock you can use a glass jar, saucer, cloth, and weights to ferment your cabbage. However, you very likely will lose 30-50% of your batches to “overzealous bacteria.” It is difficult to find the right saucer to fit in the right jar to weigh your cabbage or other foods down enough to keep bits of food from floating to the top of the liquid.
Have you seen what becomes of those bits of cabbage?
That’s probably why you’re looking into a proper crock.
With the jar-and-saucer method, air gets into your ferment, adding to the potential for serious nastiness. I realize some people embrace the nastiness, scrape off the bad parts, and eat the rest. That’s great. I would rather eat good kraut than haul stinking kraut to my chickens.
If I didn’t have $100+ to spend on a crock, I would certainly stay with the jar approach because chickens like fermented foods too, but the first spare bit of scratch I have to spend on kitchenware would be headed right at this item.
All of this is to say, I strongly recommend a crock for fermenting sauerkraut, kimchi, and other home ferments. My favorite is the Harsch crock with great features:
- A gutter in the rim that creates an airlock, reducing the chance of surface mold.
- Lead-free glaze on the interior.
- Ceramic weight stones eliminate spoilage.
- Fine craftsmanship.
The biggest question is size. We do things pretty big around here, so does Three Stone Hearth in San Francisco. The picture below from the Flickr photo stream shows six large Harsch crocks fermenting away. Probably most folks would start with a smaller model.
Harsch Gairtopf Fermenting Crock
5 Liter (about 1.25 gallons): Check the price now!
10 Liter (about 2.5 gallons): Get the price!
20 Liter (about 5 gallons): Check current price!
30 Liter (nearly 8 gallons): Check the price!
Reviews:
“It truly is the Mercedes Benz of stoneware fermentation pots…covered with a lead-free glazing…. The crock includes 2 stoneware weighing stones which replace the wooden board and cloth of other methods…the lid has a deep water groove which provides an airtight sealing that prevents undesired yeast from forming.”
Evalina, On Amazon
“This is from someone who made sauerkraut the old fashioned way. Without a doubt, this is the best crock you’ll ever have. It makes perfect kraut every time!”
K.M. Willet, at Amazon
“After losing half of your sauerkraut batches to yeasty nastiness, you will appreciate the details that went into this crock’s design. It’s an investment in good eating.”
Amanda Rose, California
