What To Know
- Remove the jars from the boiling water and place them on a clean towel to dry.
- In addition to sterilizing the jars, there are a few other things you can do to help preserve your refrigerator pickles.
- Do I need to use a pickling salt to make refrigerator pickles.
Pickling is a great way to preserve food and enjoy it for months to come. But do you need to sterilize the jars before you fill them with pickles? The answer is yes, you should sterilize the jars before using them for refrigerator pickles.
Why Sterilize Refrigerator Pickle Jars?
Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms on a surface or object. This is important for preserving food because microorganisms can cause spoilage and make food unsafe to eat.
When you sterilize a jar, you are killing any bacteria, mold, or yeast that may be present on the jar. This will help to prevent the pickles from spoiling and will also help to keep them safe to eat.
How to Sterilize Refrigerator Pickle Jars
There are two main methods for sterilizing refrigerator pickle jars: boiling and using a dishwasher.
Boiling
To sterilize jars by boiling, follow these steps:
1. Wash the jars thoroughly with hot soapy water.
2. Rinse the jars well with clean water.
3. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
4. Place the jars in the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the jars from the boiling water and place them on a clean towel to dry.
Dishwasher
To sterilize jars in a dishwasher, follow these steps:
1. Wash the jars thoroughly with hot soapy water.
2. Rinse the jars well with clean water.
3. Place the jars in the dishwasher and run them through a hot cycle.
4. Remove the jars from the dishwasher and place them on a clean towel to dry.
How to Use Sterilized Refrigerator Pickle Jars
Once you have sterilized the jars, you can use them to store your pickles. To do this, simply fill the jars with pickles and seal them tightly. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Other Tips for Preserving Refrigerator Pickles
In addition to sterilizing the jars, there are a few other things you can do to help preserve your refrigerator pickles:
- Use fresh, high-quality cucumbers.
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly before pickling them.
- Use a vinegar-based pickling solution.
- Store the pickles in a cool, dark place.
Final Note
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, homemade refrigerator pickles for months to come.
Popular Questions
Q: How long do refrigerator pickles last?
A: Refrigerator pickles will last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use any type of vinegar to make refrigerator pickles?
A: Yes, you can use any type of vinegar to make refrigerator pickles. However, white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the most common types of vinegar used for pickling.
Q: Do I need to use a pickling salt to make refrigerator pickles?
A: No, you do not need to use a pickling salt to make refrigerator pickles. However, using a pickling salt will help to keep the pickles crisp and prevent them from becoming soft.
