What is causing my sauerkraut to smell sweet?
I've been fermenting a batch of sauerkraut and it's been going for about a month. It's tasted great and has just recently started to develop some winey flavors.
Today I checked the crock and there is a strong sweet smell that reminds me most of those cinnamon-sugar pretzel places that they put in malls and airports. The kraut is still fine and doesn't taste sweet except for the smell.
The only thing in the kraut was cabbage and salt.
Best Answer
In my experience a month is a bit long (although of course this depends on the size of the batch, etc) for active fermentation - however I don't think that's the problem. In fact, I don't think there is a problem. Since Sauerkraut is a 'wild' food, there are some variables that you can't (and shouldn't) control.
The most likely (85% sure without knowing other factors) situation is that your kraut has picked up an uncommon variety of wild yeast and that yeast is doing its thing and putting-off this sugary/sweet smell as a byproduct of its processes.
Are you doing anything different with this batch that you've not done in the past? Fermenting it in a different part of your house, maybe? Is the temperature unseasonably warm/cold? Regardless I think you'll be safe and come out with good kraut (which doesn't seem to be your concern) - but if you come out with REALLY good kraut, maybe you'll want to try to duplicate your experience :)
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Quick Answer about "What is causing my sauerkraut to smell sweet?"
The most likely (85% sure without knowing other factors) situation is that your kraut has picked up an uncommon variety of wild yeast and that yeast is doing its thing and putting-off this sugary/sweet smell as a byproduct of its processes.How do you fix sauerkraut that is too sweet?
Spread out the sauerkraut in a casserole or heatproof baking dish and add in a small amount of water mixed with any other preferred liquid such as white wine, chicken broth, or beer. 2. Bake the sauerkraut at 275- 300 F until it softens and forms a deep mellow flavor. 1.What does spoiled sauerkraut smell like?
Pungent. Rotting or putrid food, or an unmistakably awful odor that might even make your eyes water. Normal. Sour, reminiscent of vinegar, fresh, tangy.What is sauerkraut supposed to smell like?
Your jar of sauerkraut should smell sour, reminiscent of vinegar.Should homemade sauerkraut smell?
Start tasting the sauerkraut after 2 weeks and keep fermenting until you are happy with the flavour. A foul sulfur-like smell is normal, but should dissipate after a few days.How to tell if your Sauerkraut has gone bad!
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