That time my sauerkraut went fizzy and my friend said it was ruined

Last Tuesday, I opened a jar of my usual two-week kraut and it was super fizzy, almost like soda. My friend who was over freaked out and said it had gone bad and I should toss it. I did a quick check and the smell was fine, just tangy, so I tried a bit and it was actually really good, just extra bubbly. Has anyone else had a batch get super carbonated but still turn out okay, or is that a real warning sign?

2 comments

2 Comments

daniel5111mo ago

Actually, that fizz is a totally normal sign of active fermentation. Your friend was probably just used to store-bought stuff. As long as it smells and tastes good, it's perfectly safe and just means your microbes were really happy. A lot of home fermenters actually aim for that extra carbonation.

zara_hunt1mo ago

Yeah exactly, daniel511 gets it. That fizzy bite is the whole point.