Wanted to make fridge pickles today

9 years ago

I wanted to make a few jars of refrigerator pickles and could only find Mrs wages quick process kosher dill mix. The ingredients are basically the same I noticed. Can I use it for the refrigerator pickles or will they not turn out right?

Thank you

Featured Answer

digdirt2

9 years ago

If citric acid is listed on the ingredients of the packet then we can only assume their testing has proven that the amount they have added is sufficient to insure safe pH levels. They are legally covered by the provision that you should follow the full instructions on the packet. It is a personal decision, personal choice you have to make, if you deviate from those instructions.

I can only add what we are taught in the classes. That is that so-called "refrigerator pickle" recipes, meaning pickles that are never processed, not fermented first, and which contain less than 50% vinegar brine are generally considered unsafe to consume because of the ability for listeria to exist and replicate in that environment.

Personally I find no advantages to even making them in the first place. The quality is less than ideal and making them is merely a convenience issue. And given that warning, convenience is heavily out weighed by both quality and safety. But the choice is yours to make.

Dave

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Comments (7)

digdirt2
9 years ago
It all depends on how much vinegar the Mrs. Wages calls for in the instructions. If the brine is at least 50% vinegar (in other words the same amount of vinegar or more as water) then they will be safe to store in the fridge for approx. 90 days. Most so-called fridge pickle recipes are no longer considered safe because they don't contain enough vinegar to prevent listeria growth in them.

Dave
Mt Gardenerlady
Original Author
9 years ago
Dave, it says 3 1/3 cup vinegar to 7 1/3 cup water. Not equal amounts so the answer is no, correct? I will water bath can them then.
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digdirt2
9 years ago
Nope not enough vinegar. In truth it isn't even enough vinegar for pickles that will be canned. I don't know how they are getting around the minimum acidic brine requirement. Is there citric acid added to the mix? If so that might explain it.

Dave
Mt Gardenerlady
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
No, no citric acid. Just water, vinegar and the mix. The three little jars I made tonight won't last but a few days in my house of pickle-holics so I'm not concerned. However, now I'm concerned about the next batch I will make. One would think a reputable name like Mrs wage would be giving proper ingredient ratios?
Mt Gardenerlady
Original Author
9 years ago
Ohhhhh wait.....yes I do believe citric acid is in the ingredient list for the mix. I thought you meant do they have you add it separately.
Mt Gardenerlady
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you