Canned sauerkraut

Canned sauerkraut is heat-processed fermented or sweet cabbage preserved in brine and sealed in jars or tins. Compared to fresh cabbage it has a longer shelf life and is ready to use straight away. It is used as a side dish with meat dishes, in braised recipes, soups and as a filling for dumplings. It is a staple of Central and Eastern European cuisine. The flavour is typically sour with a mildly salty undertone, while sweetened varieties are more subtle. It contains probiotic compounds, dietary fibre and vitamin C. Before use it is worth tasting and rinsing with water if the acidity is too pronounced.