Preserving recipe

Fermented red cabbage with apple

A strong red cabbage ferment with a light apple note. Works well as a side dish for simple pantry meals.

Fermented red cabbage with apple
Preparation
45 min.
Cooking time
-
Servings
16
Jars
4
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

For about 16 servings / 4 jars with 4 servings each:

1.8 kg red cabbage
200 g firm apple
40 g salt without iodine and without anti-caking agents
1 tsp caraway seeds optional
1 tsp mustard seeds optional

Important:
The vegetables must remain completely covered by their own brine during fermentation.

Method

1. Remove the damaged outer leaves from the red cabbage.
2. Slice or shred the red cabbage finely.
3. Wash the apple, remove the core and grate finely or chop very small.
4. Mix the red cabbage, apple and salt thoroughly.
5. Knead for 10 to 15 minutes until enough brine is released.
6. Optionally mix in caraway seeds and mustard seeds.
7. Press firmly into clean jars.
8. Cover with a clean cabbage leaf and weigh down.
9. Leave to ferment at room temperature and check regularly.
10. When the flavour and acidity are right, store in a cool place.

Storage

Leave at room temperature during fermentation. Afterwards store in a cool, dark place. Keep opened jars in the refrigerator.

Shelf life

Usually keeps for 2 to 4 months when refrigerated, provided clean working methods were used and the cabbage remains under brine.

Safety note

This recipe is a ferment, not an unrefrigerated long-term preserve. Do not greatly reduce the amount of salt. Everything must remain under brine. Discard if there is mould, a rotten smell, slimy texture or unusual discolouration.