Kraut culture

Vegans don’t need to rely on soy-based yogurts for intestine-balancing probiotics: Sauerkraut is a less processed, appetizing alternative—and is easy to make. But if one prefers to outsource cabbage fermenting, Santa Cruz-based Farmhouse Culture kraut may be the next best thing. Made with organic and local ingredients in reusable jars with compostable labels, its creative flavor variations include a Classic Kraut with caraway seed, Smoked Jalapeño (my favorite), Horseradish Leek, and the seasonal Apple Fennel. Find tips on how to use all that kraut at www.farmhouseculture.com, and buy it at any Whole Foods or the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.