There's no nice way to say this...

[ps4624]

.. but my kitchen smells like someone with really, really bad gas has been in there. We're making our first batch of sauerkraut and it is pungent. Ew.

[Llyra]

I am so feeling your pain. I am. DH tried making dandelion wine this week, and while I think that's awesome, I finally had to evict his little experiment because the odor was INTENSE.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Llyra

I am so feeling your pain. I am. DH tried making dandelion wine this week, and while I think that's awesome, I finally had to evict his little experiment because the odor was INTENSE.

That's interesting. I've always meant to dabble in the so-called country wines. Is it possible that the "must" is/was infected? (That is, what did it smell like?)

[mama2toomany]

My exhs family made dandelion wine all the time in the summer, It does not smell too great while they make it and I don't drink so I am not sure if its all that, but they loved it. lol

[krankedyann]

This is where a basement or garage comes in handy. lol!

[Teenytoona]

Hmm I've never had a problem with a funky smell from my sauerkraut making.

[Laggie]

My sauerkraut doesn't smell either, but it's a small batch, only 1.5 heads of cabbage.

[Millie Ivy]

We made a huge batch last year at my moms house in a Harsch (sp?) crock. A big one. Like several quarts for each of us, my mom, my sis, and I. I don't recall a smell at all, unless we got close. And I think this would have been a reeeeeally short experiment at my mama's house if it stank. ;-)

Can you open a window and turn on a box fan at it to pull some of it out of the house?

[ps4624]

Now I'm worried - am I doing this wrong? I used 5 heads of cabbage. It's in a crock on the kitchen counter (covered). It looks fine, but it does smell pretty strongly. I live in a pretty small apartment in Texas (it's going to be 90 tomorrow) so I'm hoping it's just because of the small quarters.

So, how would you know if your kraut was bad?

[Millie Ivy]

small quarters, texas (me too! where you at?) and a large amount combined would probably intensify the scent quite a bit. "Gassy" would make sense. If there is no thick weird mold or anything, I would assume it's fine. I mean, cabbage smells like farts and feet right? ;-)

We made ours in cooler weather, if I remember correctly. And my mom and dad keep the house cool in the summer, if not. There wouldn't have been the "texas warm summer" problem where the crock was. I still think airing out the kitchen would help you.

[Millie Ivy]

Is there a cooler and/or less visited place in the house you could move it?

[ps4624]

Hi Millie - thanks for the reassurance. I'll have to scope out a new resting place. We're in Plano near the McKinney border. How about you?

[Millie Ivy]

Well, small world, hon. I'm in Flower Mound, and my sister lives in Oak Point. Her little babe was born in Dec of 2008.

I'll PM you, :-)

[Laggie]

You have it weighted so that all of the cabbage is submerged in the liquid, yes? If so then it should be fine, although I would try to find a cooler or better ventilated spot for it.