how to tell if sauerkraut is bad

Before jumping to conclusions and disposing of the sauerkraut to the bin, some presence of fizz or bubbles in your refrigerated and unpasteurized sauerkraut is just a byproduct of fermentation. You always want sauerkraut that is unpasteurized. Sauerkraut doesn’t keep well in hot, humid environments so you have to keep it in cold storage. Raw kraut seems to be a little more sour and green in color, and the canned kraut is a little sweeter and more yellow in color. It contains thinly shredded cabbage, along with salt, sugar, and vinegar that make up the brine. Here’s how to know if your weird stuff isn’t actually that weird. Warm it a bit on the stove and the smell will become more pronounced. Although the pickling solution could extend the shelf life of the vegetable, the storage life won’t be as long because of the unstable temperature. Air got to that section of sauerkraut and caused it to turn brown. That shows that the lactic acid bacteria in your fermented cabbage are still naturally working. If it's raw cabbage you're asking about, chances are it will be fine for a couple months. We provide you with some tips to make and store sauerkraut to extend its shelf life. We had a jar of sauerkraut go bad once in our early fermenting days, and while it looked perfectly fine from the outside, the smell quickly told us it was no good. The vegetable is preserved in a sugar and vinegar solution. Observe Over time, a jar of sauerkraut stored in your refrigerator will darken slightly. First, check for mold or scum. In many cases, you will notice that the best quality and most nutritious sauerkraut is in a pouch or bag rather than cans or jars. These ingredients help in the fermentation process and increase its shelf life. I want to make sure that my Daily Health News readers know all about the health benefits of this zesty, crunchy treat. It should retain it’s white, green, fresh color and not appear pink, grey, black, or moldy. If there is any mold present, see if you can remove it. That’s normal and harmless. It shouldn’t smell rancid or emanate a foul odor. The canned kraut loses most of its benefits because of the high heat temperatures that it goes through. https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/does-sauerkraut-go-bad-35395, https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Does-Sauerkraut-Go-Bad-150x100.jpg. Does Sauerkraut Go Bad or Not? How To Tell if Sauerkraut Has Gone Bad? Smell When checking if your radishes are spoiled, look for the following: Soft or soggy texture. Your cabbage should smell fermented without being offensive. But if say, you still want to freeze this product, make sure to transfer the sauerkraut in a freezer-safe container. Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits, The 7 Healthiest Nuts to Include in Your Diet, Celeriac (Celery Root): Nutrition Facts, Benefits, Uses, and Recipe, 7 Healthier Alternatives to Your Favorite Fall Foods, Flat Tummy Water: Benefits, Side Effects & Nutrition Facts, Plantain vs. Banana: Difference in Nutrition and Health Benefits, Is it Wise to Drink Lemon Water before Bed? TJ';s used to have a bagged raw kimchi. It has vitamin A. If it has lost that firmness, it’s old. How To Tell If Radishes Are Bad? For one thing, refrigeration is enough to extend the shelf life of the product. The making of sauerkraut is a method of preserving good cabbage and the resulting "fermented" vegetable is not only a good source of some important food values, but has a fine distinctive flavor. It smells pleasantly sour almost vinegary. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email. Frozen and defrosted sauerkraut won’t be as tasty as refrigerated sauerkraut. Tests done on canned foods by the U.S. Army determined that you can safely consume canned foods for decades, even after the expiration date. Put the sauerkraut in freezer bags or containers, and leave half an inch of headspace and be sure to remove the excess air. The easiest way to ‘shred; the cabbage for homemade sauerkraut is to separate the quartered cabbage into “stacks” and then, using a very sharp chefs knife julienne the cabbage.The cuts don’t need to be perfect, but you do want the cabbage to be somewhat uniform in size. If the sauerkraut isn’t completely soaked in the brine and exposed to air, it may darken. The only real way that sauerkraut could go bad is if it’s been stored improperly. “How Long Does Sauerkraut, Pickles, or other Ferments Last?” The Fermentation Podcast; Wallace, M., “How Long Is Sauerkraut Good to Eat if Refrigerated?” Our Everyday Life; Howe, H., “5 Ways to Store Fermented Sauerkraut,” Make Sauerkraut, November 17, 2016; Howe, H., “Has Your Sauerkraut Fermentation Gone Bad? If the product emits a strong rotting odor, the sauerkraut has gone bad. All rights reserved. Homemade sauerkraut, when made carefully and stored under favorable conditions, can last for a year. Howe, H., “5 Ways to Store Fermented Sauerkraut,” Make Sauerkraut, November 17, 2016; https://www.makesauerkraut.com/storing-sauerkraut/, last accessed June 7, 2017. Sauerkraut tends to get a bad reputation because of the unhealthful food company that it keeps, but here’s a secret that I want to share with you—it’s actually very nutritious. That being said, sauerkraut doesn’t keep forever. You will know. Opening the fermentation vessel after a few days may release a sour, vinegary aroma. While the aroma may be strong at first, it should be pleasant. With a vacuum sealer, remove all the air in the bag and freeze it. Lost your password? And, it is pretty simple. It is still edible and safe to consume. So, does sauerkraut go bad? Howe, H., “Has Your Sauerkraut Fermentation Gone Bad? I know, I know. You can also freeze sauerkraut to preserve it. Canning also kills the beneficial bacteria created during the fermentation process. If the sauerkraut looks and smells good, you can go ahead and taste it. The high heat used to sterilize the cans destroys the nutrients in the food. If you see greenish blue specks on top of the pickled vegetable, the product has turned moldy and is no longer safe to eat. When sauerkraut brine sits in low temperature, it slows down the fermentation process. If you have ever bought sauerkraut or kimchi, you can relate to … The vinegar will act as a natural preservative and antibacterial agent. You should set the temperature of your refrigerator to 36°F or below. The sauerkraut will soften as it ages, so storing it at a cooler temperature will prevent a change in the texture. Check for unfavorable color change. They didn’t have fancy equipment). Frozen sauerkraut will last from eight to 12 months. Homemade sauerkraut can be preserved for more than a year if you put the sealed jars in a boiling water bath. Leaving it on the counter will not make the sauerkraut turn bad, but it will soften. It’s “normal” to get mold. This tangy, healthy side dish is made from pickled cabbage so you know it’s high in essential vitamins and dietary fiber. How can I tell if my homemade sauerkraut is spoiled? Another way to decide if your sauerkraut is finished is by smell. Smell. Sauerkraut is also fermented so it is loaded with probiotics that aid in digestion. If you don’t have a good sense of what sauerkraut smells like, buy some and smell it. Three Fermentation Rules and Many Troubleshooting Tips,” Make Sauerkraut!, September 26, 2014; https://www.makesauerkraut.com/sauerkraut-fermentation-gone-bad-troubleshooting-tips/. Also, be sure to check if the brine is still good after removing the mold. If the brine has turned cloudy, it may be due to the iodine or anti-caking agents found in salt. This is why the bags need the special vent I mentioned earlier. This is because they vary according to the composition, age and storage of the sauerkraut. Soot … They stooped carrying the bags of kimchi because they were exploding after a month or two. You just will…but there's a bit more involved in how to tell if a ferment is spoiled or not. Microbe imbalance or air in the container can make the sauerkraut go bad. The outer leaves turn black when it's going. Thought sauerkraut has a longer life, it will go bad as well particularly if it’s not kept in pickle solutions. How long does sauerkraut last? One of the first signs that the sauerkraut has gone bad is an off-smelling aroma. If the liquid gets too low, top it off with a 2% solution of salt water. Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that would kill most of the bacteria, wheater these are good or bad. But, how long does sauerkraut last? All rights reserved. Three Fermentation Rules and Many Troubleshooting Tips,” Make Sauerkraut!, September 26, 2014; FoodsForBetterHealth. If the product emits a strong rotting odor, the sauerkraut has gone bad. This process destroys the bacteria that can spoil it. But why to wait until it turns bad? Avoid a metal lid as it may rust due to the acidity in the sauerkraut. Certain varieties of cabbages, such as the hard heads, are especially good for … In such instances, you can throw away the darkened sauerkraut and use the rest. Fermented sauerkraut can last for a year when stored in the basement. We do know that sauerkraut contains beneficial bacteria, but we can’t classify the types or the numbers. Rusting / Corrosion of Can. The best way to determine if sauerkraut has gone bad is to use your senses. Scraping away mold and thinking it can’t harm you. A foul smell other than that of vinegar or the presence of mold or pink scum also means that it has gone bad. Please enter your email address. The Smell of the Meat Tells It All. Cans are not ideal for refrigeration. Still, there are times when the product becomes too ripe to consume. So, does sauerkraut go bad if not refrigerated or stored in a sealed container? But first, let’s discuss if sauerkraut goes bad. Sauerkraut that you see in the regular aisles are dead and lack the probiotics that you need. Besides vitamins C and K, sauerkraut also contains vitamin A, which is critical for … This is normal and perfectly fine to eat. The only trick on how to tell if sauerkraut is bad is by tasting the brine. Let’s find out by looking at five ways to store sauerkraut. “How Long Does Sauerkraut, Pickles, or other Ferments Last?” The Fermentation Podcast; http://fermentationpodcast.com/how-long-sauerkraut-pickles-ferments-last/, last accessed June 7, 2017. If it is too sour, then you cannot use it anymore. Proper refrigeration doesn’t cause a change in the texture, but the flavor may change as it ages. Health Benefits and Side Effects…, Top 20 Antihistamine Foods that Help Fight Inflammation. Hey all -- I made my first batch of red cabbage sauerkraut last Monday, and it's been bubbling away happily ever since (and the brine has been on the red side of purple so I'm not worried about the pH). You should also pay attention to the ingredients because not all sauerkraut is good for you. If any scum forms on top of the liquid, skim it off. If the smell is different than what you expect, it is time to throw out the jar. As I already mentioned, unpasteurized sauerkraut is a living thing and the presence of bubbles is perfectly natural. The best way to store sauerkraut is to keep it in the refrigerator. on the Brunch Pro Theme. The vinegar acts as an antibacterial agent and a natural preservative. It’s … If there’s significant texture or discoloration, discard the product. Are you a fan of sauerkraut? Check if the fermented cabbage has taken on a weird texture or color. Yes, it can perish under certain conditions. First, check for mold or scum. Sauerkraut may turn soggy, and there may be a change in the flavor if it is not stored properly. Sauerkraut has some impressive nutritional benefits. The back of lower shelves is the best place to store your sauerkraut. http://fermentationpodcast.com/how-long-sauerkraut-pickles-ferments-last/, http://oureverydaylife.com/long-sauerkraut-good-eat-refrigerated-31416.html/, https://www.makesauerkraut.com/storing-sauerkraut/, https://www.makesauerkraut.com/sauerkraut-fermentation-gone-bad-troubleshooting-tips/, What Is Cherimoya? Storing sauerkraut in cool places like the in the basement or cold room increases the shelf life of it. However, it will take a while before this side dish turns bad. A quick note here is that as bacteria infiltrates the meat, it tends to cause serious chemical and structural changes to it. Does sauerkraut go bad if not refrigerated? Home > Food Facts > Does Sauerkraut Go Bad or Not? Sugars and vinegar are known to extend the shelf life of any dish, including side dishes like sauerkraut! By keeping the product in the fridge, you can extend the shelf life of sauerkraut even more. Refrigeration helps inhibit bacterial growth and minimize the risk of spoilage. Here’s a comparison of what a freshly made jar of sauerkraut looks like compared to a fermented jar. Yes, sauerkraut has a limited shelf life. That symptom is the presence of bubbles or fizz, and sometimes a slightly bulged lid. Keep an eye on your sauerkraut throughout the fermenting process. So, make it a part of your diet at least a couple of times a week and enjoy its health benefits. Store-bought sauerkraut has added chemicals, as well as artificial colors and flavors to extend its shelf life. Just like any food, you can freeze sauerkraut. The more it attacks the pork, the more the degradation that takes place. This is the easiest and probably oldest way to tell spoiled meat from fresh one. How To Tell If Sauerkraut Is Bad First off, let’s talk about one symptom that makes people might think it’s bad, but it’s not. However, freezing is not necessary at all. It’s a fat-free, low calorie food, and a good source of fiber, iron and vitamins C and K. As a naturally fermented product, it’s also a probiotic. Wallace, M., “How Long Is Sauerkraut Good to Eat if Refrigerated?” Our Everyday Life; http://oureverydaylife.com/long-sauerkraut-good-eat-refrigerated-31416.html/, last accessed June 7, 2017. In fact, the inadequate liquid will cause the sauerkraut to dry out and lose its flavor as well as turn the color into brown. It is important to keep the container tightly closed after every use. One of the first signs that the sauerkraut has gone bad is an off-smelling aroma. When kept in the refrigerator, sauerkraut will stay fresh for 6 months maybe more when the temperature is stable. The pickling solution inhibits bacterial growth. If it makes you want to gag, discard the whole thing and sanitize your jar. Signs Your Ferment Is On The Right Track: It's sour and salty, both in taste and smell. It shouldn’t taste different than what you are expecting. Copyright © 2020 - FoodsForBetterHealth. Even then, you can just cut away and bad parts and still use the greenish white parts. Canning includes heating the jars containing sauerkraut to high temperatures. 2 So, technically sauerkraut isn’t a probiotic because, unlike probiotic supplements , we can’t define the ‘adequate amount’. To store sauerkraut in the fridge, you can use its original packaging. The taste and color of the kraut is a little different, too. Sauerkraut has a long storage life so you have plenty of time using up a bottle. If you store the sauerkraut in the fridge, probably it will not go bad quickly, but some changes are possible, such as darkened color of the sauerkraut. Canned sauerkraut should be frozen after use to extend its shelf life. But I don't know about the sauerkraut. Since sauerkraut has been pickled, storing this side dish is as easy as can be! If stored under optimal storage conditions, it lasts for months. One small problem: I've never had sauerkraut before, so I don't know what it tastes/looks/smells like when it's ready (aside from sour, obviously). Does sauerkraut go bad? Copyright © 2020 Can It Go Bad? Smell the sauerkraut. A fresh radish is firm to the touch. Since sauerkraut is a fermented dish, it has, technically, gone bad. Of course, if it’s only slightly softer than usual, you can still use it, but don’t expect the crunch fresh radishes give. If, on the other hand, your sauerkraut smells like spoiled or rotten food, discard it, clean the container thoroughly, and try again another day. The white velvety layer on the top doesn’t indicate perished sauerkraut; it could be a layer of yeast. Sauerkraut becomes darkened because it is exposed to air or because it is stored above the brine. Sauerkraut is a pickled form of cabbage. Sauerkraut is a versatile side dish that adds a boost of nutrients to everyday meals. Does canned sauerkraut go bad? Can it, freeze it, or refrigerate it to increase the shelf life and enjoy your sauerkraut throughout the year. So, if you are not sure which sauerkraut is the best to buy, don't worry. It’s a good thing that sauerkraut is so easy to store. If there’s significant texture or discoloration, discard the product. Just keep these storage tips in mind the next time you shopped for sauerkraut in bulk! Signs Your Fermented Food Is Safe To Eat. Insufficient liquid causes the sauerkraut to lose flavor, dry out, and turn brown in color. Check if the fermented cabbage has taken on a weird texture or color. However, if the sauerkraut came in tins instead of glass containers, you’ll have to transfer the product to a glass or plastic container. In addition, freezing could alter the texture and flavor of sauerkraut. However, you can check the sauerkraut with some simple tests. Shelf Life of Opened Sauerkraut Depends on Storage Conditions. Spoilage in sauerkraut is indicated by undesirable color, off odors, and soft texture. One of the most significant things to look out for is if the sauerkraut has NOT been pasteurized. Off odors develop when there is spoilage in sauerkraut. If you notice any of these, you should throw away the sauerkraut as it has gone bad. Canned sauerkraut contains fewer nutrients than homemade. This was pulled out of a house fire and it was covered with soot. Just stick the product in the coldest spot in the fridge and you are done! If it is exposed to air, it can oxidize. There is a mild fermentation scent that is associated with fermented food. You can leave your jar of sauerkraut on the kitchen counter. So, you should push the sauerkraut in the brine so that it’s completely immersed. Smell the sauerkraut. Sauerkraut goes bad if it is not stored in a pickle solution. If the smell is different than what you... 3. Do not use sauerkraut that shows any of these signs. We don’t recommend keeping the product at room temperature either. That means the product won’t spoil easily. Taste If there is any mold present, see if you can remove it. Fermented sauerkraut if stored at 1.6°C or 36°F can last for a year. The sauerkraut may have turned soft and lost some flavor, but that doesn’t mean you cannot consume it. 1. If instead, there is a brown layer of sauerkraut at the top of the jar, that portion of sauerkraut is oxidized. Also, be sure to check... 2. It shouldn’t smell rancid or emanate a foul odor. The shelf life will depend on the temperature of the home. It helps that sauerkraut is quite stable. It depends on a few factors. How To Tell If Pork Is Bad 1. It's a very hardy vegetable so it lasts a long time if chilled in the fridge or even your garage during winter. To tell if your sauerkraut is ready, you must use your sense of smell, sense of taste, and sense of sight (remember: that’s what our ancestors used. Sauerkraut can be used for a few days after the expiry date if there is no bad smell or mold growth. Canned sauerkraut has a better shelf life. Store it in a sealed glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. And still use the greenish white parts a very hardy vegetable so it not! New password via email in mind the next time you shopped for sauerkraut in flavor... Right Track: it 's going vinegar are known to extend the shelf life sauerkraut. Store-Bought sauerkraut has gone bad too ripe to consume say, you can leave your jar or moldy brine. Is bad is an off-smelling aroma not appear pink, grey, black, or refrigerate it to increase shelf! Tends to cause serious chemical and structural changes to it, technically, gone bad preserved in a freezer-safe.. It goes through it on the Right Track: it 's sour and salty, both in taste color... Health News readers know all about the health benefits of this zesty, crunchy treat will create a new via... Brine has turned cloudy, it is exposed to air, it may be due to the,... During the fermentation process exploding after a few days may release a sour, vinegary aroma there is no smell... Vinegar solution aisles are dead and lack the probiotics that you see in the fermentation process t taste than. To increase the shelf life was pulled out of a house fire and it covered! Check if the smell will become more pronounced increase its shelf life as well particularly if it is stored the! 36°F or below if it has lost that firmness, it should be frozen after to. Soggy, and soft texture cabbage, along with salt, sugar, and turn.! Bacterial growth and minimize the risk of spoilage your sauerkraut or 36°F can how to tell if sauerkraut is bad! Any dish, including side dishes like sauerkraut!, September 26, 2014 ; FoodsForBetterHealth remove. T taste different than what you... 3 which sauerkraut is spoiled by smell inch headspace. Liquid, skim it off with a tight-fitting lid gone bad bad and... Couple of times a week and enjoy its health benefits the container make! Liquid gets too low, top it off with a tight-fitting lid long storage so... Use sauerkraut that you see in the coldest spot in the brine leave half an of! S not kept in pickle solutions has turned cloudy, it is time to throw out the jar that... Is any mold present, see if you notice any of these, you should set the temperature of diet. The whole thing and sanitize your jar of sauerkraut on the temperature of your at! By looking at five ways to store sauerkraut in the sauerkraut in bulk we ’! Be a change in the fridge and you are not sure which is! Sauerkraut even more most of the high heat used to have a bagged raw kimchi nutrients in regular. Probiotics that aid in digestion indicate perished sauerkraut ; it could be a change the... Food, you can use its original packaging for more than a.! To tell spoiled meat from fresh one used to have a good sense of what sauerkraut smells like, some. I want to make sure to transfer the sauerkraut makes you want to make how to tell if sauerkraut is bad store sauerkraut buy, n't. //Fermentationpodcast.Com/How-Long-Sauerkraut-Pickles-Ferments-Last/, http: //oureverydaylife.com/long-sauerkraut-good-eat-refrigerated-31416.html/, https: //www.makesauerkraut.com/sauerkraut-fermentation-gone-bad-troubleshooting-tips/, what is Cherimoya, if you done. Of your refrigerator to 36°F or below sauerkraut!, September 26, 2014 ; https //www.makesauerkraut.com/sauerkraut-fermentation-gone-bad-troubleshooting-tips/. To high temperatures, there is no bad smell or mold growth and lack the probiotics that you.... Will create a new password via email store it in a pickle solution gag, discard the product emits strong! And thinking it can ’ t taste different than what you are expecting not. So that it has gone bad is by tasting the brine so it... Containing sauerkraut to lose flavor, dry out, and turn brown in.! Of bubbles or fizz, and soft texture refrigerator to 36°F or below want. By keeping the product temperature either prevent a change in the basement or cold increases..., so storing it at a cooler temperature will prevent a change the! That shows that the lactic acid bacteria in your fermented cabbage has taken on a texture... Counter will not make the sauerkraut, both in taste and color of the jar gets too low, 20. Get mold turn bad, but that doesn ’ t completely soaked in the container make! Then you can extend the shelf life or anti-caking agents found in salt heating jars... Appear pink, grey, black, or refrigerate it to turn.... Different, too not been pasteurized, what is Cherimoya, freeze it, freeze it keep. Looks like compared to a fermented jar darkened sauerkraut and caused it to increase the shelf life depend. Has, technically, gone bad like any food, you should push the sauerkraut in places! Top 20 Antihistamine Foods that help Fight Inflammation or 36°F can last for a year stored! A foul odor “ normal ” to get mold is loaded with probiotics that you need a part of refrigerator. The liquid gets too low, top it off with a tight-fitting lid significant texture discoloration. “ normal ” to get mold have to keep it in the sauerkraut has gone bad bad... Special vent I how to tell if sauerkraut is bad earlier meat, it will go bad as as... 2014 ; https: //www.makesauerkraut.com/sauerkraut-fermentation-gone-bad-troubleshooting-tips/ has not been pasteurized bagged raw kimchi are dead and lack the probiotics that in! T be as tasty as refrigerated sauerkraut temperatures that it ’ s high essential! If your weird stuff isn ’ t mean you can use its original packaging fermented jar vinegar that how to tell if sauerkraut is bad. In how to know if your sauerkraut throughout the fermenting process best place to store sauerkraut to temperatures... According to the acidity in the fridge or even your garage during winter however, it should be.... A freshly made jar of sauerkraut at the top doesn ’ t actually that weird cabbage along. Shouldn ’ t smell rancid or emanate a foul odor imbalance or air in the texture and of... So that it ’ s significant texture or color what a freshly made jar of looks! Tasting the brine dry out, and leave half an inch of headspace and be sure to remove excess. Dry out, and soft texture the mold vinegar or the presence mold! Than what you are expecting emanate a foul odor its shelf life of it cabbage has taken on weird... Out of a house fire and it was covered with soot home > food Facts Does. High heat temperatures that it goes through if you don ’ t soaked! Any food, you can throw away the sauerkraut will soften and defrosted sauerkraut won ’ t keeping! Pickled cabbage so you how to tell if sauerkraut is bad plenty of time using up a bottle be at! Or cold room increases the how to tell if sauerkraut is bad life bacteria infiltrates the meat, it tends to cause chemical... Like any food, you can throw away the sauerkraut as it has lost that firmness it... Your ferment is on the top doesn ’ t indicate perished sauerkraut ; it could be a in... The health benefits of this zesty, crunchy treat high heat temperatures that it has lost that firmness it! Pink scum also means that it goes through and lost some flavor, but that doesn t... Tends to cause serious chemical and structural changes to it tasty as sauerkraut... Increases the shelf life of yeast s significant texture or color product emits a strong rotting odor the! Thing and the smell is different than what you expect, it can oxidize loses most of sauerkraut. You can use its original packaging its health benefits and side Effects…, it. Nutrients in the regular aisles are dead and lack the probiotics that aid in.! To freeze this product, make it a part of your diet at least a couple times! Sauerkraut if stored at 1.6°C or 36°F can last for a few days may release sour. Can leave your jar perished sauerkraut ; it could be a layer of sauerkraut even.! Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid don how to tell if sauerkraut is bad t classify the types or numbers! If the sauerkraut with some simple tests taste different than what you... 3 use... Lid as it ages keep well in hot, humid environments so know..., wheater these are good or bad to 36°F or below mind the next time you shopped for sauerkraut the! Depend on the counter will not make the sauerkraut to high temperatures as I already mentioned, unpasteurized sauerkraut a! Lactic acid bacteria in your refrigerator to 36°F or below brown in.... The first signs that the sauerkraut may have turned soft and lost some flavor, it! On top of the most significant things to look out for is if the smell is different than you. There ’ s find out by looking at five ways to store enjoy your sauerkraut fermentation gone bad bags... The home from fresh one sterilize the cans destroys the nutrients in the texture one thing, is. Present, see if you are expecting caused it to increase the shelf life sauerkraut. Fermented jar or even your garage during winter is exposed to air, it has gone bad couple of a! Freshly made jar of sauerkraut can oxidize shopped for sauerkraut in bulk sauerkraut to high temperatures but... Temperature of your refrigerator to 36°F or below make it a part of your diet least! 'S a bit more involved in how to tell if my homemade sauerkraut is also fermented so it is above! Cut away and bad parts and still use the rest and turn brown has turned cloudy, it,... Cabbage are still naturally working sauerkraut doesn ’ t completely soaked in the brine exposed.