What Is a Shredder Used for in Making Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is made from fermented, finely shredded cabbage.

When you make sauerkraut, you must shred the cabbage into fine strips about as wide as the thickness of a quarter. This can be done using a hand shredder, food processor, or sharp knife. Only after shredding is the cabbage ready to be placed in a crock with salt to begin the fermentation process.

Shredder

A vegetable shredder usually consists of a sharp blade mounted inside a plastic plate. The plate fits like a lid atop a container. When the cabbage is run across the blade, shreds are cut and fall into the container. Shredders are easily obtained at kitchen or discount stores for as little as $25 as of 2010.

Food Processor

Food Processor

A more expensive option, but one that might be easier on the hand and wrist, is to use a food processor to shred the cabbage. According to The Gluten Free Cooking School, however, food processing results in very short pieces of cabbage.

Knife and Cutting Board

Knife and cutting board.

You can also use a sharp knife and cutting board to shred cabbage for sauerkraut. Cut the head of cabbage in half and remove the core. Place the cabbage on the cutting board one half at a time, holding it with one hand and slicing it thinly with the knife. The Gluten Free Cooking School notes that this is usually the least expensive way to shred cabbage.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Making Fermented Pickles and Sauerkraut
• Gluten Free Cooking School: Five Reasons to Shred Cabbage With a Knife, and How to Do It

Resources

• Nextag: Cabbage Slicer