After two years living in Germany, I’ve gotten used to life here. I’ve gotten used to everything being in a foreign language (German). In fact I’ve gotten so used to it, that going to London causes a reverse culture shock cause everything is in English, which to me, is not normal. I’ve also gotten used to the quirks of German culture. I won’t say I understand it completely as there is still much I need to learn and experience, but I know the lay of the land, so to speak.
However, it is the little things that now cause the biggest culture shock. Those What The? moments that sharply remind you that you live in a foreign country and that you will probably never understand the culture. I experienced that this evening when I saw this in the juice aisle.
Sauerkraut Juice
Pickled cabbage juice that is mixed with apple juice, like that is supposed to make it a tasty drink. It is still picked cabbage juice, there is nothing remotely tasty about that. I mean even sauerkraut itself is not high on the list of tasty things, but drinking the juice?? I can’t even go there.
Can someone please tell me how popular Sauerkrautsaft is in Germany? Is this found in most homes or is it some kind of niche product? Do I have to learn to drink this to be fully integrated into German society cause if so, that is not going to happen.
I’m under the impression it’s more a thing for certain kinds of health nuts than something that is widely consumed as a regular beverage
Sort of something similar to how Americans view Aussie Vegemite!
(wink, wink)
Now, now. They are nothing alike! Vegemite actually tastes good.
Chuckle, chuckle.
Yikes! Sounds pretty horrid.
Wow! I’ve never seen that before. I am not likely to try it either! Doesn’t exactly sound very appetizing… Haha! Oh, the stereotypes!
I’ve seen it labeled as a health drink, probably for the food-is-fuel-not-joy crowd. And I had the initial BLERGH reaction to it, too. But I imagine it might be kind of delicious added to recipes that call for something acidic when you don’t want the full bite of vinegar. Or maybe for deglazing when you can’t use booze for some unfathomable reason.
As far as the ‘Sauerkraut isn’t delicious’ assertion…well, we’ll agree to disagree.
I’m with Sarah on the Sauerkraut is delicious assertion, and the use of [shudder] sauerkraut juice. As an aside, chocolate sauerkraut cake is delicious.
To console you: most Germans, including this one, would place this stuff rather on the icky side of the food scale.
(In fact, I have seen these turn up at Schrottwichteln events.)
I have to admit I’ve seen this in my refrigerator once or twice in the two years I’ve been here but have not yet been able to force myself to try it. According to my husband it is supposed to be healthy???? Ugh..
I admit, I gagged when I realised what that was a picture of.
I’m frequently surprised at the flavor combinations that are common here. Tuna fish on pizza is one that I still can’t quite bring myself to try.
Absolutely agree! I did try it once and it is just truly, truly WRONG!! haha