Re: Slightly O/T

 James, I've bought many a package of sauerkraut - in jars, in cans, and in plastic bags. I've never once seen a container start to swell. Is this evidence that by the time it reaches me all the bacteria are dead. I know they were once there alive b/c it's always slightly acidic, w/o the help of vinegar, etc.

Correct, commercially packaged sauerkraut will have been sterilized after packaging.  I am referring to homemade sauerkraut so the cultures are live.