So I had to let this topic ferment for a bit as I had trouble deciding who my favorite kraut was at this year's Expo East. I've come to the conclusion that Jacob's Raw had the best new fermented product at the show.
Best new kraut and tonic on the market!
Jacob's Raw is a small family own and run company that started making fermented products for themselves. Then one day their son, Jacob, asked why they didn't sell it. So began their adventure.
I tried every product they had available each day I was at expo. I couldn't get enough! My favorite, of course, was the spicy kraut. However, I do have to mention their cultured tonics. These tonics are like none I've ever tried. They are smooth, flavorful, and just plain tasty without the earthiness or bitterness that you usually get with most kvass or kraut juices. I highly suggest you demand them from your local store. Their price is about half that of the closest comparable kraut out there. Find them on Facebook and Twitter by searching #JacobsRaw.
NEW Kimchi Live Shots by Wildbrine!
Next on my list was the familiar label of Wildbrine. I'm sure most of you health food junkies out there have tried this amazing product. Well their new products won't let you down. They have several new selections to try.
My favorite two things they had to try were the Smokey Kale Kraut and the Spicy Korean Live Shot. The Smokey Kale Kraut had a flavor unlike any other kraut I've ever tried. It's smokey (obviously) and savory with just a hint of heat. Keep in mind that spicy for me is a 20 out of 5 at any Thai restaurant.
The Kimchi Live Shots were their new line and they've done well with them. Touting 5 Billion CFUs of live cultures per each bottle, your gut is sure to thank you.
The one thing I might suggest to Wildbrine would be to switch to a glass container for all of their products, not just the Live Shots. Otherwise, they rock! They can be found at most retailers, so ask the store buyer to expand their Wildbrine selection. Find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching #wildbrine.
Both of these Cleveland Krauts were divine.
Tied for 2nd was my Midwestern neighbor Cleveland Kraut. They were a lively bunch of guys and sure loved selling their kraut.
Their product has a sexy label and names that you'll remember like Whiskey Dill and Gnar Gnar. I didn't get a chance to try every flavor because the table was packed with folks grabbing for more. I did try and love the Curry Kraut and the Gnar Gnar. As you may have noticed, those both have jalapenos in them. No wonder I enjoyed those two.
These folks are sure to do well with their reasonable retail price and the classic yet fresh looking labels, let alone the taste! Bring the taste of Cleveland to your town by asking for it to be stocked in your store. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by searching #CLEKraut.
Kraut in a bag! Who knew? Farmhouse Culture does.
The final fermented friend I'll discuss today is Farmhouse Culture. They have very unique products including Kraut Krisps, Fermented Vegetables, Gut Shots as well as Kraut. What makes them even more noticeable is that they put their products in bags not jars.
After eating lots of sauerkraut already, I was thrilled to find some other fermented veggies, and, boy, were they yummy! Don't get me wrong. Their kraut rocked too. What really stood out though was the Kraut Krisps. A chip made from dried sauerkraut! Leave it to those creative minds of San Francisco to come up with something so different, but so tasty.
They may not be available near you yet unless you live in the bay area or have one of the select few Sprouts or Whole Foods stores that carry it close by. Be on the lookout, because I'm sure you'll see them soon enough. Learn more by going to their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube pages.
Well must reiterate how great Jacob's Raw is by mentioning that I ate nearly a whole jar of Spicy Kraut while typing up this blog! If you haven't already be sure to read Part 1: Coconut Water as well as my overall experience of Expo East.
In a few days I'll release part 3 of this series on Expo East 2016. Part 3 discusses Juices and Teas. See you then. Thanks for reading!