How to Freeze Sauerkraut (how to instructions)
Pin RecipeYes, you can freeze sauerkraut. If you wish for the authentic cabbage dish to retain its robust flavor, it is essential that you only freeze them FRESH.
Equipments:
- Ziploc bag
- freezer-safe container
Ingredients:
- Sauerkraut (leftover)
Instructions:
- Place sauerkraut in a Ziplock bag or any container appropriate for freezing, and leave 2 inches of space at the top. When the sauerkraut freezes, it will expand, taking up additional room in the freezer.
- If using a freezer bag, be sure that you squeeze out additional air before you seal it. To prevent the development of freezer burn, you may layer the freezer bags that you use. Many will triple-layered them for added protection.
- If you use a freezer bag, lay it flat down and put the date and content information on it once you have sealed it. When placed in the freezer, be sure to lay it flat down not to take up a lot of space.
- It is best to freeze in a deep freezer. This is because sauerkraut freezes best at 0°F or less. Once you are ready to use the sauerkraut, defrost it in the refrigerator.
- You may store your sauerkraut safely for anywhere from 8 months to 12 months.
Notes:
step 1: portion size selection
You must pay close attention to the portion size when freezing sauerkraut. Smaller portions freeze at a much faster rate, but it helps plan meals. Before freezing, determine an appropriate portion size for your family and freeze based on that.step 2: container selection
If freezing in a way that will allow you to thaw quickly, you should place the sauerkraut in a freezer-safe container. Then, you will be able to take out the container, run it under cold water, and the sauerkraut will easily pop right out. If you are searching for a way to freeze and save space, you should use freezer bags. You may place enough in the bag to fill ¾ of it. Be sure to squeeze out the air and lie flat and stack once in the freezer.step 3: avoiding freezer burn
Freezer burns are common when freezing certain types of foods. The good news is, this can be avoided when freezing your sauerkraut. This is caused by exposure to air and the development of ice crystals. Simply take the steps that will help to keep air from coming in contact with the sauerkraut. Liquid expands when it is subjected to frozen temperatures. You should strive to ensure that you provide ample space for this expansion when the sauerkraut freezes. Never overfill, or freezer burn will occur, and the bag or container you have it in is more likely to rip or crack. If this happens, the sauerkraut must be discarded. Only fill approximately ¾ of the bag or container that you use. Additionally, always push out all of the air. If you are using freezer storage bags, be sure to triple-layer them to ensure a higher level of protection for the fermented cabbage.step 4: labeling is critical
As with any food, if you freeze sauerkraut, you must label and date the container and/or bag you place it in before locating it in the freezer.Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
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