If you are a fan of sauerkraut, you may be surprised to learn that not all sauerkraut is created equal. Typically, store-bought sauerkraut has been pasteurized, which means it has undergone a heating process that kills off any potentially harmful bacteria. However, this heating process also kills off beneficial bacteria, which means that pasteurized sauerkraut may not have the same health benefits as unpasteurized sauerkraut.
If you are looking to get your crunch on with unpasteurized sauerkraut, you may be wondering where to buy it. In this article, we’ll explore some options for buying unpasteurized sauerkraut.
Farmers’ Markets
One great place to find unpasteurized sauerkraut is at your local farmers’ market. Many small-scale farmers and artisanal food producers create their own unpasteurized sauerkraut, using traditional fermentation methods that allow beneficial bacteria to thrive. When you buy unpasteurized sauerkraut from a farmers’ market, you can often ask the vendor about their fermentation methods and the ingredients in their sauerkraut.
Online Stores
If you don’t have a local farmers’ market that sells unpasteurized sauerkraut, you may be able to find it at an online store. Many small food producers and wellness companies sell unpasteurized sauerkraut online, and you can often find a wider variety of flavors than you would at a farmers’ market. When shopping online for unpasteurized sauerkraut, be sure to read reviews and check the company’s fermentation methods to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
Natural Foods Stores
For those who prefer to buy their food in person, natural foods stores may be a good option. Many natural foods stores carry unpasteurized sauerkraut, often in the refrigerated section (since unpasteurized sauerkraut needs to be kept cold to prevent spoilage). When shopping at a natural foods store, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that you are buying unpasteurized sauerkraut, as some brands may sell both pasteurized and unpasteurized versions of their sauerkraut.
Make Your Own
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own unpasteurized sauerkraut at home. Fermenting cabbage into sauerkraut is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients (cabbage, salt, and optional spices). There are many recipes and tutorials available online that can guide you through the process of making your own sauerkraut.
Health Benefits of Unpasteurized Sauerkraut
There are many potential health benefits of consuming unpasteurized sauerkraut. Since unpasteurized sauerkraut is rich in beneficial bacteria (known as probiotics), it may help to support healthy digestion, boost the immune system, and even improve mental health. Additionally, sauerkraut is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Probiotics and Gut Health
One of the main benefits of consuming unpasteurized sauerkraut is its high probiotic content. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and support healthy digestion. When we consume foods that are high in probiotics, we can help to improve the balance of bacteria in our gut, which can improve digestive health and alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation.
Immune System Boost
Another potential benefit of consuming unpasteurized sauerkraut is its ability to boost the immune system. Probiotics are believed to support immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which can help the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Additionally, sauerkraut is high in vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that helps to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Mental Health Benefits
There is also evidence to suggest that consuming probiotics may have mental health benefits. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria that lives in the gut) may play a role in regulating mood, and that probiotics may help to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. While more research is needed in this area, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like unpasteurized sauerkraut into your diet may be a good way to support overall mental health.
Conclusion
Whether you buy it at a farmers’ market, online store, natural foods store, or make it yourself, unpasteurized sauerkraut is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. With its high probiotic content and potential health benefits, it’s no wonder that unpasteurized sauerkraut is becoming more and more popular. If you’re a fan of sauerkraut, it may be worth giving unpasteurized sauerkraut a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is unpasteurized sauerkraut?
Unpasteurized sauerkraut is sauerkraut that has not been heated (pasteurized) to kill off potentially harmful bacteria. This means that it still contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that can support digestive and immune health. - Where can I find unpasteurized sauerkraut?
You can find unpasteurized sauerkraut at farmers’ markets, natural foods stores, and online stores that specialize in health foods. - Is unpasteurized sauerkraut safe to eat?
While unpasteurized sauerkraut does contain beneficial bacteria, it may also contain harmful bacteria if it has not been fermented properly. It’s important to buy unpasteurized sauerkraut from a trusted source and to ensure that it has been made using safe fermentation methods. - What are the health benefits of unpasteurized sauerkraut?
Unpasteurized sauerkraut is high in probiotics, which can support digestive and immune health. It is also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. - Can I make my own unpasteurized sauerkraut?
Yes! Making your own sauerkraut is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some patience. There are many tutorials and recipes available online that can guide you through the process.
References
- Aung, T., Haseebullah, H., Lim, R., & Croft, K. D. (2016). Fermented foods and cardiovascular diseases: a review. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences: MJMS, 23(5), 14.
- Foster, J. A., & McVey Neufeld, K. A. (2013). Gut–brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in neurosciences, 36(5), 305-312.
- Gupta, V., & Garg, R. (2009). Probiotics. Indian journal of medical microbiology, 27(3), 202.
- Marco, M. L., Heeney, D., Binda, S., Cifelli, C. J., Cotter, P. D., Foligne, B., … & Young, P. (2017). Health benefits of fermented foods: microbiota and beyond. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 44, 94-102.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/