Your Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Sauerkraut
Trader Joe's Sauerkraut isn't to be mistaken with "kosher salt" or "pickled" cucumbers. While Trader Joe's pickled and dehydrated cucumbers are incredibly tasty, they aren't the same thing. Picked from the best sausages, sourced from the best farms in Italy, Trader Joe's Sauerkraut is a tangy treat that goes great on just about any type of sandwich. And, it tastes even better when it's cucumbers instead of pickles.
Traditionally, sauerkraut was used as an ingredient to season meats and fish. However, it also contains high concentrations of beneficial bacteria that are known to fight off bacteria and viruses. These bacteria work by developing a protective film on the surface of the food. This film protects the product from harmful micro-organisms that might spoil it.
Traditionally, sauerkraut were pickled overnight and fermented within the next day. In most cases, the pickled in vinegar was used for cooking as well, but it was particularly effective on pickled fish. Pickled fish was typically seasoned with salt, black pepper and dill. Today, Trader Joe's preserves sauerkraut in brine, a brine solution containing a concentration of salt and water. It's very similar to the brine used for seafood.
Typically, pickled sauerkraut were consumed after they were pickled. This was a time honored tradition that went back to the early days of the New World. However, today it's generally eaten raw. There is an active enzyme in sauerkraut called citrulline, which inhibits bacterial growth. Without this enzyme, bacteria can easily develop and thrive, which results in sour pickles.
The traditional vinegar used included vinegar from apple cider. However, Trader Joe's also markets a pickling salt specifically manufactured by Chef Donald's International. This salt has become synonymous with Trader Joe's salsas, dips and spreads. It's also found in a number of their canned preserves.
The fermented pickled vinegar used in these products contains a type of mold. This mold, which may look like moldy chocolate, imparts a reddish color to the pickled product. Some people prefer to add sugar to their sauerkraut to make the sauce more appealing. Others use a healthy dressing to make the pickled beet greens more palatable.
Traditionally sauerkraut were soaked overnight and pickled the following day. The vinegar used was heated to reduce the acidity. This allowed the pickled beets to ferment longer. The fermented pickled beets could then be smoked for a time. The longer the pickled beets were smoked, the darker they would become. Trader Joe's allowed customers to pickle their own sauerkraut so they always had their favorite pickled beet selection.
Today, Trader Joe's carries an extensive selection of sauerkraut including traditional varieties and its own unique, pickled creations. One example is their Garden Stripe Sauerkraut. This tangy sauerkraut pairs well with a juicy piece of pineapple or apple. Other pickled vinegar combinations include creamy leek cabbage and spicy carrot.
Another popular selection at Trader Joe's is their Garden Mustard Sauerkraut. Garden mustard is often used to season sauerkraut, but it adds a level of heat to the dish that some people find overpowering. Trader Joe's carries a number of choices for a mustard base to use. They also have a tangy Tofu Kale blends that makes a great side dish.
One of the most popular options at Trader Joe's is their Garden Crab Cakes. Crab cakes are very similar to traditional crab cakes in which breading is placed on the outside of the meat and then the inside is filled with crab meat. https://bestreviews.tips/canned-jarred-sauerkraut_181325/ This option is served with the appropriate accompaniments such as celery and potato salad or crisp greens. Trader Joe's also sells a regular version of corn on the cob that can be accompanied with a side of potatoes and green beans. It's a nice change of pace from the traditional pickled vegetables.
For those who enjoy pickled Herring, Trader Joe's carries a nice selection of Kingfish in pickling tanks. A very salty fish, it pairs well with its traditional accompaniments of lemon juice and vinegar. This type of sauerkraut has a slightly sweeter flavor than the others. There's also a vegetarian sauerkraut available. This one uses soy sauce instead of salt.
One of the most popular entrees at Trader Joe's is their Gardenburger. Gardenburger is an authentic German dish that involves cabbage and onions. You'll get the classic German breaded meat as well as sweet potato and cabbage soup. The dish is served with a fried egg, which is actually what it sounds like. The egg is placed inside the cabbage before the meat is exposed to the fire. It's a fun way to enjoy your garden burger.