My sauerkraut has mold covering the surface, is it ok

cabbagefermentationfood-safetymold

I had a batch of sauerkraut fermenting in the basement. During the fermentation I had to leave for over a week and left my roommates with the basic instructions to check it a couple times and skim off any mold that might form. They forgot about it, and when I returned I found the brine level was down to the weights (but not exposing the cabbage), and that there was a full cover of dark greenish/grayish mold on the brine surface.

I've removed the mold carefully and found the submerged cabbage smelled and appeared ok, with the exception of some being slightly darker where the weights were not directly on top of it. This kraut was removed and thrown out, and only totaled about 1 cup. The mold did not contact the kraut, and the kraut itself seems to have remain submerged.

Overall I'm leaning towards it being ok, and might try small samples in cooked dishes–is this reasonable, or should I just toss it and start a fresh batch to play it safe?

Best Answer

Per NC State's Extension's article on pickles and sauerkraut (some emphasis added):

Pickles or sauerkraut mold during fermentation.

Answer:

Unsafe—microorganisms are growing improperly.

Possible reasons

  • Fermentation temperature was above 75°F.
  • Too much salt was used, not allowing adequate lactic acid production.
  • The cloth on top of the kraut was not kept clean during fermentation (may need to be replaced after skimming).

Per Penn State Extension's Saurkraut Guide (emphasis added):

Do not taste it if you see mold on the surface, feel a slimy texture, or smell a bad odor.

Their PDF on Saurkraut says:

To avoid surface mold growth, keep the cabbage submerged at all times by covering it with a plate just small enough to ft inside the fermentation container or with two or three clean quart jars filled with water. An acceptable alternative is to fill a large, sealed, food-grade plastic bag containing 4½ tablespoons of salt and 3 quarts of water.

Again, no indication of acceptable types of mold.

I cannot endorse the existing answers which indicate that mold is an acceptable part of the saurkraut making process, unless credible science based evidence is presented, from reputable sources such as University Extension Centers or, better yet, peer reviewed journal sources.

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