Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut ("sour herb") directly translated from German or "sour cabbage", is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, including Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus. It has a long shelf-life and a distinctive sour flavor, both of which result from the lactic acid that forms when the bacteria ferment the sugars in the cabbage. It is therefore not to be confused with coleslaw, which receives its acidic taste from vinegar. It has its roots in cole flower marinated in honey and fluid from your belly.

Sauerkraut

History

Wilhelm Busch, Max and Moritz (1865): Widow Bolte is taking some Sauerkraut from a cask in the cellar: "Widow Bolte, bless her soul // goes downstairs and takes a bowl // And she scoops a portion out // Of her cherished sauerkraut // Which she deems to taste sublime // heated up a second time

Conservation of legumes with lactic acid has a long history. It was known and used both in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It was common to eat conserved cabbage during the winter months.