The Other Probiotics: Sauerkraut and Kimchi

Probiotics are big in the news lately. Yogurt and Kefir are probably the most well known, but two other fermented foods, sauerkraut and kimchi, are also excellent sources of the “good” bacteria that can be so beneficial for our health. Sauerkraut, the traditional (often German) dish used historically to preserve cabbage, is familiar to many Americans.  Kimchi, less well known but equally delicious, is a Korean national dish made from a variety of naturally fermented vegetables. 

Zymbiotics Sauerkraut and Kimchi

Zymbiotics Take on Sauerkraut and Kimchi

For the do-it-yourselfer, it is possible to make both sauerkraut and kimchi at home.  But if you can find a good commercial source, that can be an easier route. Yes, someday I’ll post about my sauerkraut making failures…

Finding a good source is key to maximizing benefits. People may not realize it but kimchi and sauerkraut come in two different forms. Some are pasteurized and shelf stable while others are fresh (unpasteurized) and need refrigeration. For a vegetable, either is a good choice, but for a probiotic source you need the latter.  The heat from pasteurization kills the beneficial bactieria–just think of checking your yogurt for “active cultures”.

Zymbiotics Zimchi

Zymbiotics Zimchi

Both sauerkraut and kimchi are loaded with healthy vegetables, which the fermentation process makes more nutritionally available. According to Seattle Natural Health,  “the nutritional value of fermented foods is enormous, increasing B vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin and niacin. The activated form of folic acid is increased, which helps with cardiovascular and cancer risks. Choline is increased, which breaks down fat in the body and liver and helps with constipation. In addition, fermentation increases glutathione, an anti aging amino acid, and enzymes needed for digestion and detoxification.” And don’t forget all the fiber!

If that’s not enough, recent medical studies have highlighted the importance of gut bacteria to various aspects of our well being. Besides aiding digestion, gut bacteria may impact brain function, metabolic function and may someday even be the key to weight lossZymbiotics-Logo

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Jeff Ziebelman of Zymbiotics to taste his version of these products which he calls …  Zauerkraut and Zimchi ;-).  A serial entrepreneur, Jeff formed Zymbiotics in 2014 with partner Betty Holloway (a registered dietitian) who cited an extra incentive– the value of running a business that is also a passion. Actively into both exercise and healthy eating, Jeff said that he would be excited to “shift people into a healthier lifestyle.”  

Besides creating food that is healthful and outstanding in flavor, Zymbiotics has some additional objectives. They want to produce products at a price that makes the them accessible to ordinary people and they want to keep their carbon footprint small. A local farmer provides cabbage nine months of the year, which is transported by another farmer who happens to be traveling that way anyway.

Red Cabbage Enhanced Zauerkraut

Red Cabbage Enhanced Zauerkraut

Zymbiotic’s Zauerkraut is made with red cabbage in addition to the tradition green which gives it a beautiful color that hints at the extra antioxidants inside (don’t forget to “eat a rainbow”). The outstanding flavor is more complex and subtle than traditional varieties while still tasting like sauerkraut. I had never had kimchi before and the Zimchi was a perfect introduction. It brings a gingery, slightly hot spiciness that I would describe more as flavorful than in your face. Since our meeting, he has added a new fermented product, gingered carrot, which I will be trying soon!

Zymbiotics Zimchi

Zymbiotics Zimchi

Zymbiotics products are available at a variety of (mostly independent) grocers in southeastern Wisconsin, as well as farmers markets and mail order (you need to email him now, but they will soon be available for direct online ordering from his website).

Serving Sauerkraut and Kimchi

One of the challenges of serving probiotics is that heat can kill the beneficial bacteria and decrease the health value of the products. I still intend to make my traditional pork chops and sauerkraut, since I love it. But I have started looking for more ways to eat them without heating and have found I like them cold as a side dish (think “zingy” Cole Slaw). Looking for some other ideas? Add kimchi to potato salad, kraut to a hot dog (perfect for playoff season!), mix kimchi with fried rice or top off a salad of microgreens. Or check out some of Jeff’s online recipe ideas

Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Sandwich

Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Sandwich

For a recent lunch, I decided to try adding kimchi to a grilled cheese sandwich with delicious results. Grilled cheese is perfect for a simple meal and a sure kid pleaser, but it’s usually too bland for my tastes. Easy and tasty, I think Grilled Zimchi and Cheese may be my answer! Given that the cheese barely melts I am guessing that some priobiotcs survive the heating process. grilled-cheese-served

Grilled Kimchi and Cheese Sandwich

Author: Inger
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Sandwich
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices of whole wheat or rye bread
  • 2 ounces of cheese sliced (flavorful, meltable cheese like aged cheddar, gruyere, gouda)
  • 1/4 cup kimchi drained
  • 2 teaspoons butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat skillet over medium/low heat. Butter one side of a slice of bread. Place bread butter-side-down onto skillet bottom. Top with cheese and kimchi.
  • Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place butter-side-up on top of sandwich. Grill until lightly browned and flip over.
  • Continue grilling until cheese is melted and second side is golden, then serve.
I am not a health professional and nutrition data is calculated programatically. Accuracy may vary with product selection, calculator accuracy, etc. Consult a professional for the best information.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

13 thoughts on “The Other Probiotics: Sauerkraut and Kimchi

  1. Pingback: Tempeh Reuben Sandwich - Art of Natural Living

  2. Tammy

    I’ve had marginal success with kimchi but likely because I didn’t know how to use it. Love the sandwich idea. Good post!

    1. Inger Post author

      Trying not to overheat the probiotics definitely adds to the challenge of using sauerkraut and kimchi. I was pretty happy to learn I like them as a “lazy” vegetable, that is I will scoop out a serving when I am too lazy to cook a vegetable.

    1. Inger Post author

      Louise told me about your post–will be over to visit soon! I can’t believe I never tried it before. Happy New Year to you too!

  3. Beth

    I haven’t tried kimchi, but this sounds like a great way to use it. Thanks for the introduction!

    And I loved your comment on my post about your daughter refusing to eat an apple that had been cut with a “garlicky knife”. I share your pain!

    1. Inger Post author

      Ah yes, those kids! Though as my middle daughter protested, “You raise us to appreciate good food, and then you call us picky.”

      Touché!

  4. Louise

    Hi Inger:)
    What a Great post!!! I’ve actually been reading a lot about Kimchi the last couple of days. Angela over at The Squishy Monster just did a wonderful Q & A about Kimchi which also happens to have a link to, you will never guess, a Kimchi Museum!!!

    It sounds like you have found your very own delicious source. I’ve always thought, under my breath of course, how so many people cook with yogurt thinking that the benefits are the same as when it is fresh and uncooked. Are the beneficials the same, I wonder? I’m thinking much like Sauerkraut and Kimchi, yogurt may lose it’s “goodness” once it is heated to high. Maybe it’s the same as the yogurt temperature, I don’t know.

    The sandwich you made sounds like the best of both worlds. Kudos to you, I know one day you will be attempting to make your own:)

    Thanks for sharing, Inger. Here’s the link to Anglea’s Kimchi post if you want to check it out.

    http://www.thesquishymonster.com/2015/01/easy-traditional-kimchi-q-a.html

    1. Inger Post author

      Wow, it’s everywhere! I’ll have to check out the Squishy Monster post. Thanks for passing it along Louise!

      You would be right about heated yogurt killing the probiotics, though people heat yogurt less often than sauerkraut. But if you baked it in something, you’d have to settle for getting the calcium and protein but not the full benefits.

  5. Choc Chip Uru

    I didn’t know sauerkraut or kimchi had so many health benefits! I just thought the veges tasted better that way 😛
    Great informative post!
    Your sandwich also looks lunch perfect!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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