I make it in 1/2 gallon jars, too. I have a big 5 gallon crock, but it's much safer and easier to make in the jars. You can put fennel seed or carraway seed into the kraut, for a different flavor...a little of it goes a long way, so don't overdo it. I put about a dozen seeds per jar. In the old days, people used juniper berries to flavor it, too.