About Me
Hi, I’m Herman Kraut.
Engineer by training, permaculture designer by calling, and homesteader by heart.​
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In 2022, my wife MuDan and I traded high-rise living in Asia for a rocky patch of overgrazed land in rural Portugal. Since then, we’ve been steadily transforming less than a hectare of Mediterranean hillside into a regenerative, off-grid homestead - and Tough Kraut is where I share every step of that journey.
From Concrete Jungle to Living Soil
I didn’t grow up with my hands in the dirt. My background is in engineering. Systematic thinking, structured problem-solving, and spreadsheets were my daily tools. But after a decade of city living, my soul was craving something different: connection to nature, growing my own food, and living a more meaningful life.
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We made a 180-degree lifestyle change and moved to Portugal in June 2022. Armed with a few good books, a lot of ambition, and absolutely no experience managing land, we began planting the first seeds - literally and figuratively - of our dream.
We are currently living in a mobile home. This photo was taken in July 2022.
What Tough Kraut Is All About
Tough Kraut isn’t just a blog. It’s an evolving knowledge base and community hub for anyone who’s curious about living more self-sufficiently, regeneratively, and off the beaten path.
Here, you’ll find:
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Hard-won lessons from building an off-grid life from scratch
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Honest reflections on successes and failures (spoiler: there are plenty of both)
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Detailed guides based on real experiments with permaculture, composting, rainwater harvesting, soil building, keeping chickens and more
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Plant profiles and seasonal food forest updates from our land
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Personal stories about life and how to get one step closer to your dream of sustainable living
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Tough Kraut is not a glossy, influencer-perfect lifestyle blog. It’s real, raw, and rooted in purpose. I’m not here to pretend this life is easy. It is not. But I am here to show that it’s absolutely possible, even if you’re starting from scratch.
My vision
My long-term goal is to create a lush, resilient food forest that not only sustains our family but also serves as a living example of what’s possible when you work with nature, not against it. I hope to one day make a living from the land - sharing knowledge, food, seeds, and skills - while helping others reclaim their independence and confidence in doing the same.
Meet the Kraut Crew
When I’m not digging, building, or chasing chickens out of the garden, I’m working on content for the Kraut Crew. This is our growing community of like-minded folks learning together through free and members-only resources. From eBooks and planting guides to exclusive tutorials and planting plans, it's all designed to help you grow, thrive, and laugh a little along the way.
Let’s Grow Something Real
Whether you’re living in an apartment with a few pots of herbs, or you’ve already started your own homestead journey, Tough Kraut is here to offer practical advice, motivation, and community. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real help from someone who’s in the trenches with you.
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Thanks for stopping by. Let’s grow something real together.
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Herman Kraut
Engineer Turned Farmer | Permaculture Designer (PDC) | Founder of Tough Kraut
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