My mother in law was the only one that knew how to make the Kraut,I was just there to help.I do not remember how much salt there was but remember it was alot.Best of my memory tells me it was only water,alot of salt & Cabage.I will call her sister,She still makes Kraut.As to the Buttermilk ,I remember my mother in law just letting cow milk set out untill it clabbered.YUCK I don't like it to drink but like it in bread.Now she used to buy powered milk when she could not get cow milk.Same thing,Mix it up and let it sit out and clabber.