White Cabbage "Brunswick"

Discover the exceptional qualities of the "Brunswick" White Cabbage, a time-tested variety renowned for its excellent flavor and suitability for sauerkraut. This reliable, mid-late season cabbage is a garden staple, promising abundant harvests and culinary versatility.

Key Characteristics of "Brunswick" Cabbage:

• Mid-Late Season Maturity: Expect to harvest your "Brunswick" cabbages approximately 120-130 days after transplanting seedlings.
• Impressive Head Size: The heads are firm and compact, typically weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 kg (5.5 to 7.7 lbs).
• Attractive Appearance: "Brunswick" cabbages boast a beautiful light green color, adding visual appeal to your garden and kitchen.
• Exceptional Flavor: Known for its mild, sweet flavor, "Brunswick" is delightful both fresh and processed.
• High Yields: This variety is a prolific producer, ensuring a generous harvest for your family and friends.
• Excellent Keeping Quality: "Brunswick" cabbages store well, allowing you to enjoy your harvest long after it's picked.

Growing and Usage Features:

The "Brunswick" cabbage variety is prized for its adaptability and ease of cultivation. Start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings into the garden after the last frost, typically before May 30th. Ensure well-drained soil and consistent watering for optimal growth.

Beyond its remarkable taste, "Brunswick" cabbage excels in the kitchen, particularly when fermented into sauerkraut. Its dense texture and balanced flavor create a tangy, probiotic-rich delight.

Unlock the Secret to Perfect Sauerkraut:

The "Brunswick" cabbage is an ideal choice for making traditional sauerkraut. Here's a guide to help you create your own batch:

Sauerkraut Recipe Essentials:

• For 100 kg of sauerkraut, you'll need approximately 112 kg of fresh, prepared "Brunswick" cabbage.
• Add 1.7-2 kg of salt to the cabbage.
• Optional additions: 3 kg shredded carrots, 8 kg apples (peeled and cored), 1-2 kg cranberries or lingonberries, 50 g caraway seeds, 20-30 g bay leaves, anise and allspice to taste. Adjust cabbage quantity accordingly.

Sauerkraut Preparation:

1. Use late or mid-season cabbage varieties. Early varieties are not suitable for sauerkraut.
2. Select mature, but not overripe heads, free from cracks, diseases, frost damage, or signs of spoilage.
3. Clean the cabbage by removing green and damaged outer leaves. Remove the core and shred the cabbage.
4. Wash apples, core them, and cut large apples into smaller pieces. Sort and wash cranberries and lingonberries.
5. Lightly rub the shredded cabbage with salt, then mix with apples and cranberries. Pack tightly into a barrel or crock, pressing down firmly.
6. Cover the cabbage with a layer of clean, green cabbage leaves, followed by a double layer of scalded cheesecloth or muslin. Place a wooden circle and weight on top. The weight should not exceed 10% of the cabbage's weight. Ensure the circle is always submerged in cabbage juice.

Sauerkraut Fermentation:

1. Within 2-4 days at room temperature, fermentation will begin, indicated by cloudy juice and gas bubbles. Foam will form and the juice will become cloudier. Remove foam regularly.
2. The optimal fermentation temperature is +18+22°C (64-72°F), which should take 10-12 days. Lower temperatures will prolong fermentation and can negatively impact quality. Avoid rapid temperature increases, as they can lead to butyric acid fermentation, resulting in an unpleasant taste and odor.
3. Periodically pierce the cabbage mass with a smooth, clean, and scalded wooden stick to release accumulated gases.

Signs of Completed Fermentation:

• The brine will clear, gas production will cease, and the cabbage will settle.
• The sauerkraut will have a pleasant, refreshing, sour-salty taste, juiciness, firmness, crispness, and characteristic aroma.

Sauerkraut Storage:

• Ensure the sauerkraut is always covered with brine to preserve vitamin C.
• Store in a cool place, ideally around 0°C (32°F).

With approximately 350 seeds per gram, you'll have plenty to start your own "Brunswick" cabbage patch. Order your seeds today and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own delicious, versatile cabbage!