CAN YOU FREEZE SAUERKRAUT?

Q: “I have a question about freezing sauerkraut. Or really a few questions. Is it ok to do it? Does it diminish the beneficial properties from the fermentation? How long can it be stored frozen?” Michelle H.

A: To quote President Obama, Michelle, “Yes, you can!” You may freeze store-bought or homemade sauerkrauts both and they will last a long time (some say “indefinitely,” unlike presidents) in the freezer. Yes, you do lose some of the beneficial probiotic fermenting bacteria because they cannot survive the sub-zero temps of the freezer, although much nutritional benefit will last.

Freeze sauerkraut (either crunchy “fresh” fermented or long-cooked, as in Choucroute Garnie, the Alsatian “national dish”) in airtight, portioned-out containers with some brine. (Don’t drain sauerkraut to be frozen; it needs its bath, hot, warm or cold.)