M. Parmentier has given a minute description of a process of making sour
kraut on the large scale. The heads of white winter cabbages, after
removing the outer leaves, are to be cut into fine shreds, by means of a
knife, or with a plane, and spread out to dry upon a cloth in the shade.
A cask is to be set on end, with the head taken out. If it formerly
contained vinegar or wine, so much the better, as it will promote the
fermentation, and give the cabbage a more vinous taste; if not, the
inside may be rubbed over with sour kraut liquor. Caraway seeds are to
be mixed with the shreds of cabbage, a good layer of salt is placed at
the bottom of the cask, and then cabbage shreds evenly packed, to the
depth of four or six inches. The layers are regularly stamped down with
a wooden stamper, to half their original bulk. The same process is to be
repeated, with additional layers of salt, and shreds, till the whole be
packed. They are then to be covered with a layer of salt, or till the
barrel be filled within two inches of the top, over which the outside
leaves of the cabbages are to be spread. About two pounds of salt are
required for twenty middling sized cabbages.
The head of the barrel, which should have been previously well fastened
together, is lastly to be put within the barrel above the leaves, and
loaded with stones, to prevent the mixture from rising during the
fermentation. The mass thus compressed subsides, and the cabbage gives
out its juice, which rises to the surface, it is green, muddy, and
fætid. It is to be drawn off by a spigot placed two or three inches from
the bottom, and re-placed by fresh brine.
* * * * *
The following notice may serve to remind the reader of the time when the
various articles for preparing pickles are in season.
_Nasturtium pods_ fit for pickling, are in season in the middle of
July.
_Onions_, by the middle and end of July.
_Cucumbers_, the latter part of July and August.
_Capsicum pods_, the end of July and beginning of August.
_Tomatas, or Love Apples_, the end of July and August.
_Cauliflower_, in July and August.
_Artichokes_, in July and August.
_Radish pods_, in July.
_French Beans_, in July.
_Mushrooms_, in September.
_Red Cabbage_, in August.
_Samphire_, in August.