Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the Kraut Pounder made from, are there any glues used?
A: The Kraut Pounder is made from hardwood maple. They are turned from one solid piece of wood and no glues are used.
Q: Where does the wood come from?
A: The wood for the Kraut Pounder is grown and harvested in the Eastern US. They are turned, engraved and finished in Eugene, Oregon. 100% Made in the USA!
Q: What are Kraut Pounders finished with?
A: Kraut Pounders are finished with a natural food-grade expeller-pressed walnut oil. Walnut is a natural oil that will dry and will not remain sticky. You may also re-oil your Kraut Pounder with mineral oil if you prefer.
Note: Some wood and bamboo products sold elsewhere are finished with varathanes, urethanes, and polyesters (essentially plastic). You might want to check with other manufacturers before purchase.
Q: Can I get one without walnut oil?
A: Yes, if you would like to have your Kraut Pounder shipped to you unoiled, just let us know. People with extreme allergies to walnuts may want to avoid walnut oil, and we keep a few on hand for just such an occasion. We recommend you oil it (we coat it twice) before use and as needed whenever the wood starts to look dry.
Q: Do you ship to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom or other countries outside the US?
A: Yes! Contact Us and we will send you a simple online invoice. You can pay easily with your credit card.
Q: Do you ship to Puerto Rico and other US Territories?
A: Yes, and the good news is that postage is the same as other domestic shipping!
Q: Do you offer bulk discounts?
A: Yes, please contact us for details.
Q: Where else can I buy a Kraut Pounder?
A: Kraut Pounders are available online from this website, and local events by the Eugene Chapter, Weston A. Price Foundation. Presently they are not sold in stores.
- In Australia contact: Griz 0466 152 597 or griz@wildferments.com.au, www.wildferments.com.au
Q: I’d like a Kraut Pounder that is extra tall for pounding into a large crock. Can you make a custom one?
A: Yes, we can make a custom Kraut Pounder of just about any size.
We can make whatever you want, but let us suggest that you may not need a large Kraut Pounder for larger crocks. As you fill up the vessel you don’t need the handle to be as long as when the crock was empty. We usually recommend pounding in a comfortable sized container, transferring the vegetables into your fermenting container, and then just pressing them down with the Kraut Pounder. Most crocks usually have plenty of room to get your hands and Pounder down into it.
If you decide you do want a custom Kraut Pounder, please let us know the size you want. Include both height and diameter of the head. The larger the diameter of the head the more the wood will cost. Contact Us with the specifications and we will get back to you with a price.
Q: My Kraut Pounder has a dark spot or streak. Is this normal?
A: Yes, each Kraut Pounder has totally unique grain patterns. Most are uniformly light color, ranging from pale blond to golden. Some have beautiful swirling patterns. But wood, being a natural material, will sometimes have uneven colors, dark spots and streaks. These differences are a natural result of the life of the tree, and are not a defect.
Q: My Kraut Pounder has mold growing on it. Is this normal?
A: No! Please make sure to follow our care instructions and dry your Kraut Pounder before storing. Dry with a clean towel, air dry and re-oil as needed to keep your Kraut Pounder in good condition. Do not store on a damp surface or in a closed container until the Kraut Pounder is thoroughly dry. Each Kraut Pounder is sent out with a Care Instructions card. If you have lost your care instructions, please contact us for a replacement.
Q: I just used my Kraut Pounder for the first time and it now has a crack. Is this normal?
A: No, this is not normal. There will occasionally be natural stresses in the wood that come out when exposed to water for the first time. It happens with less than ½ percent of all Kraut Pounders. A hairline crack will probably not effect the function of the Kraut Pounder (people have been using wooden tools and chopping boards for centuries), but if you are concerned about it, please contact us.
Q: Do you have a newsletter, videos, e-course, or other ways for me to learn about making sauerkraut?
A: Lisa (one of the creators of the Kraut Pounder) gave a presentation at the Regional Wise Traditions Conference in 2013 called “Taking the Fear Out of Fermentation”. This hour and a half presentation was recorded in Portland, Oregon and is available for purchase from Fleetwood Onsite Recording: 800-353-1830.
The cost is $18.00 for the video of PowerPoint slides with synchronized audio and includes step by step instructions, an overview of the safety of homemade ferments, a discussion about alternative methods of fermenting, and over 100 photographs!
We hope to add some additional features in the future.
Q: How can I learn more about making sauerkraut and fermented foods?
A: Please see our recommended reading page for links to our favorite books and articles. We also strongly recommend you Find Your local WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION chapter. There you can learn from local people who are making and eating these foods themselves. You can also learn about other nutrient-dense traditional foods and preparation techniques that enhance digestion and nutrient content.
If there is not a chapter in your area, consider starting one! Our Eugene Chapter leaders say that it is a great way to meet people who care about traditional foods, and can be a very rewarding experience.
If you are near enough to make a trip to Eugene, Oregon please come to one of our classes in person!
If your question was not answered here you may contact us for more information.