Does Freezing Sauerkraut Kill Probiotics? (Explained)

Does Freezing Sauerkraut Kill Probiotics

Sauerkraut is considered to be one of the most healthy and probiotic foods in the world. It is used by people around the world for its tremendous health benefits.

Sauerkraut is a dish that is made from fermented cabbage and that is where its probiotic nature comes from. It is home to several beneficial bacteria which when ingested lead to the development of a healthy biome.

If you use sauerkraut in your daily routine, then you might be aware that it has a long shelf life and can last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

But if you want to further extend its shelf life you can freeze it? Does freezing sauerkraut kill probiotics?

Freezing sauerkraut will not kill the probiotics. The probiotics will enter a dormant state from the cold temperatures and will awaken when brought back to room temperature. However, the best way to freeze sauerkraut and preserve the most probiotics is by flash freezing it.

Slowly freezing the sauerkraut by placing it in a freezer may damage some of the probiotics but the majority should survive.

So, if you’ve got extra sauerkraut that you’d like to enjoy later then flash freeze it.

Just make sure you take that extra care in the freezing process for optimal results.

How To Flash Freeze Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut may seem a little finicky when it comes to freezing. Appropriate steps can be taken to ensure most of the probiotics are protected through this process.

Much like kombucha, experts recommend flash freezing food with probiotics in order to avoid killing the probiotics. If the sauerkraut is simply placed in the freezer directly then the slow freezing process can damage or kill some of the probiotics.

sauerkraut in a glass jar

However, flash freezing sauerkraut at home is very doable! All you need are a few regular household items.

Follow these steps to flash freeze sauerkraut:

  1. Place the sauerkraut into a glass container or bottle
  2. Leave space at the top to allow for expansion of the liquid as it freezes
  3. Cover and seal the container
  4. Place the container into a larger bucket or bowl
  5. Fill the bucket with ice so all sides of the yogurt container are covered
  6. Next place a few tablespoons of salt and water over the ice
  7. Let sauerkraut sit until ice cold which should happen in a few minutes
  8. Remove sauerkraut, label with an expiration date 12 months from today, and transfer to the freezer

The sauerkraut will have been flash frozen so that it is brought to a colder temperature faster which helps preserve the probiotics.

Remember, if you place your sauerkraut in an airtight container and store it in the freezer directly then you run the risk of the formation of crystals which can kill the cultures and probiotics.

Try to avoid plastic or metal containers as they may affect the health of the probiotics.

How Long Does Sauerkraut Last In The Freezer?

Sauerkraut can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Past 12 months, the probiotics and cultures will degrade and die over time.

The sooner the sauerkraut is thawed out and consumed the better.

How To Thaw Frozen Sauerkraut

There are two methods for safely thawing out sauerkraut depending on how much time you have.

First, frozen sauerkraut can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. This is the best and safest method to thaw sauerkraut since it will return to a liquid state slowly over time. Most of the probiotics will awaken from their dormant state and be ready to be consumed.

The second method for thawing sauerkraut is by using a bowl of cool water. This method will thaw frozen sauerkraut faster than placing it in the fridge but requires a bit of oversight. Here are the steps to thaw sauerkraut quickly using cool water.

  1. First place the frozen sauerkraut into a bowl
  2. Fill the bowl with cool water
    • Do NOT use hot or warm water as this can damage and kill the probiotics
  3. Place the bowl on the countertop and wait 30 minutes
  4. After 30 minutes, dump the water and check the sauerkraut
  5. If the sauerkraut is still frozen then fill the bowl with cool water and wait another 30 minutes

Frozen sauerkraut normally takes one to two hours to thaw completely using this method.

Whatever you do – make sure not to thaw the sauerkraut in the microwave as that will damage or kill the probiotics.

How Long Does Thawed Sauerkraut Last?

Sauerkraut thawed overnight in the refrigerator will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. That is why this is the safest and most recommended method for thawing frozen sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut that is thawed using a cool bowl of water must be consumed immediately. However, you can store any excess thawed sauerkraut in the fridge for up to 5 days.

What To Do With Spoiled Sauerkraut?

If the sauerkraut has gone bad then toss it out. Freezing the sauerkraut will not make it edible again.

Spoiled sauerkraut is fairly easy to identify since there is usually a strong rotting aroma. Not to mention the color and texture will change.

Final Thoughts

Sauerkraut is a superfood and has many potential health benefits to offer to us. It is important that you store it properly and always check it for smell and taste before you serve it or use it in your food.

We hope that you find this article helpful. Best of luck!

Steven

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