Why does nobody mention the hassle with neighbors when your kraut gets going?

I keep a crock of sauerkraut going in my kitchen most of the time. When it's really active, the smell drifts into the hallway of my building. My next-door neighbor has complained three times now, saying it stinks up her place. I told her it's just cabbage and salt doing their thing, but she acts like I'm cooking trash. Now I feel awkward every time I see her in the hall. At my hardware store, I chat with customers about DIY projects like this, and they get it. But living close to someone who doesn't understand makes a simple hobby stressful. I think folks need to lighten up about natural food smells instead of making a big deal.

3 comments

3 Comments

grant.jason1mo ago

My friend Jake in unit 4C had a kraut crock that bothered his upstairs neighbor. He just moved it to his balcony during the smelly phase.

blakeharris1mo ago

My grandma always made kraut in her kitchen and I thought that smell was just part of it. Jake's balcony move actually makes so much sense for an apartment.

oliviak981mo ago

My old roommate tried making kimchi in our tiny bathroom once. The fermentation gases actually warped the cabinet door near the toilet from all the humidity. Balcony is definitely smarter for both smell and moisture control.