Pickle Problems
Why are pickles soft or slippery?
This generally results from microbial action which causes spoilage. Once a pickle becomes soft it cannot be made firm again. Microbial activity may be caused by
—Too little salt or acid
—Cucumbers not covered with brine during fermentation
—Scum not removed from brine during fermentation
—Insufficient heat treatment
—Seal is not airtight
—Moldy garlic or spices
Blossoms, if not removed from the cucumbers before fermentation, may contain fungi or yeasts responsible for enzymatic softening.
Why are pickles shriveled?
—Using too strong a vinegar, sugar or salt solution at the start of the pickling process. In making the very sweet or very sour pickles, it is best to start with a dilute solution and increase gradually to the desired strength
—Overcooking
—Overprocessing
Why are pickles dark?
—Use of ground spices
—Too much spice
—Whole spices left in jar
—Iodized salt
—Minerals in water, especially iron
—Overcooking
What causes garlic to turn purple or blue?
—Garlic contains anthocyanins, a water soluble pigment also found in beets. This changes color very easily and with the acid condition in pickles, turns blue or purple in color
How can you tell if sauerkraut is spoiled?
—Undesirable color
—Off odors
—Soft texture
Why does kraut get soft?
—Insufficient salt
—Too high temperatures during fermentation
—Uneven distribution of salt
—Air pockets caused by improper packing
Why does kraut get pink?
This is caused by growth of certain types of yeast on the surface of the kraut due to:
—Too much salt
—Uneven distribution of salt
—Kraut improperly covered or weighted during fermentation
Why does kraut turn dark?
—Unwashed and improperly trimmed cabbage
—Insufficient juice to cover fermenting cabbage
—Uneven distribution of salt
—Exposure to air
—Long storage period
—High temperature during fermentation, processing and storage
For Further Reading:
Making Pickles and Relishes at Home, H&G Leaflet #92, on sale by Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 45¢.