#nathan's

Nathan's Famous Frankfurters

Crowd at the original Nathan's in Coney Island, 1930s.

Sausage and Kraut Day

Since the first Saturday in November is Sausage and Kraut Day, it’s time to load up on the facts about sauerkraut!

• The word “sauerkraut” has its origins in the German language, translating “sour cabbage.” However, the food itself traces its roots to China, where cooks were pickling cabbage in rice wine as early as 200 B.C. It’s believed that Mongolian ruler Genghis Khan brought sauerkraut west during his invasions that conquered most of Eurasia around the year 1237. Fermented sauerkraut stayed fresh during long journeys.

• Sauerkraut was brought to North America by German immigrants, and became a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. Because the Pennsylvania Dutch believed the food brought good luck, a tradition was started there, eating sauerkraut on New Year’s Day to bring luck for the upcoming year. It’s first mentioned in American writings in 1776.

• To make sauerkraut, cabbage is finely shredded and layered into stone jars, with salt placed between each layer. The amount of salt is equal to 2% of the cabbage’s weight. It is then tamped down with a wooden masher until the juice rises above the cabbage. If the cabbage is low in juice, water is added to the jar until it reaches the desired depth, with the cabbage fully covered.

• The cabbage is then left to ferment at 60 degrees F for several weeks. The proper temperature is vital for the best quality product and to prevent mold and yeast from growing. As it ferments, acid-forming bacteria flourish and convert the cabbage’s sugars into acetic and lactic acids, which will act as preservatives. Refrigeration isn’t required during fermentation, although sometimes the stone jars must be immersed in a tub of cold water to maintain the temperature. Exposure to heat during the process will kill the bacteria that produce the fermentation.

• In many countries, sauerkraut is more than just cabbage. Poland, Russia, and Ukraine add shredded carrots to the brine, and might also include quartered apples or cranberries. Bell pepper and beets are also added ingredients. German cooks might flavor their sauerkraut with juniper berries or caraway seeds, adding white wine to the mix. In the Netherlands, sauerkraut is known as “zuurkool,” while the French call in “choucroute.”

• Commercial manufacturers can or jar sauerkraut by using heat, and some use vinegar in the fermentation process. Unfortunately, much of the nutritional value is lost once the cabbage is cooked, and raw sauerkraut is a much more nutritious product.

• Sauerkraut is filled with health benefits, including its ability to aid in digestion and increase blood circulation. During fermentation, beneficial probiotics that promote gastrointestinal health are produced. It’s also rich in Vitamins A, C, K, and B complex, along with minerals like iron, manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as being a good source of fiber. It provides an increase in energy and metabolism levels and boosts the immune system.