Buying fermented veggies page

[LauraSB]

I haven't had much trouble finding info on why fermented vegetables are good for you and how to make them yourself, but advice on buying them pre-made has been harder to find.

I picked up a jar of A-Grosik White Cabbage Salad at Whole Foods because it looked so delicious. It's imported from Poland, but obviously intended for export because the label is all in English. The ingredients are cabbage, carrot, onion, red pepper, cucumber, vinegar, water, salt, sugar and spices, no preservatives. Is it even fermented? Is it any better for you than Del Monte sauerkraut in a can? How can I tell by reading a label whether I'm getting something with any value as a probiotic?

[KathyH]

I haven't had much trouble finding info on why fermented vegetables are good for you and how to make them yourself, but advice on buying them pre-made has been harder to find.

I picked up a jar of A-Grosik White Cabbage Salad at Whole Foods because it looked so delicious. It's imported from Poland, but obviously intended for export because the label is all in English. The ingredients are cabbage, carrot, onion, red pepper, cucumber, vinegar, water, salt, sugar and spices, no preservatives. Is it even fermented? Is it any better for you than Del Monte sauerkraut in a can? How can I tell by reading a label whether I'm getting something with any value as a probiotic?

This is not fermented. It's pickled in vinegar. You want foods in brine not in vinegar. It's not a probiotic at all. Vinegar is a preservative. What you got yourself is a processed food.

[Neckhammer]

Bubbies is a commercial brand that is a true ferment Bubbies

[Drumroll]

I get my fermented goodies from one of two vendors at local farmers markets. Perhaps you have a similar local vendor? Do a Google search and find out!

Or, worst case, learn to make your own? It's not hard, just takes a little time to let the fermenting take place.

[LauraSB]

Bubbies is a commercial brand that is a true ferment Bubbies

Thank you! Bubbies products are available just down the road from me, at a place I would never have thought to look.

I get my fermented goodies from one of two vendors at local farmers markets. Perhaps you have a similar local vendor? Do a Google search and find out!

Or, worst case, learn to make your own? It's not hard, just takes a little time to let the fermenting take place.

The nearby farmers markets have been a disappointment, both in terms of quality and variety, but one of my projects this spring is to look at some of the ones further away. I'm hoping if I get closer to Philly, I'll find some good stuff.

I have read about making your own fermented foods. However, if my family sees the process, they will never taste it, lol. They like most (vinegar) pickled vegetables they've tried though, so I think so long as the fermented versions come out of a jar, they will be fine with them.

[Damiana]

If you have Asian stores around, pick up a jar of kimchi. I eat my weight in it every week. It's a good thing I haven't got a problem with sodium.