How long do "quick" pickles last unrefrigerated?
I'll be opening a fried pickle concession stand in the next year. I want to make my own pickles because I'll be cutting them a way you cant buy from a store. I am using a quick pickle method right now that is 100 percent vinegar (along with spices). I've noticed they fry better being cold. My problem is I won't have enough storage to refrigerate them all. I'll be storing them 5 gallon buckets. How long can I keep them out before they have to be cooled or used?
Best Answer
When I make quick pickles, I leave them out for a few days (~3-5 days) to get sour before storing them in the fridge. I use a standard, diluted white vinegar solution for mine. If you're using 100% vinegar, you should be fine keeping them out for at least 3-5 days. Vinegar is very inhospitable to pathogens (just make sure that the pickles are completely submerged). Good luck!
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How long do unrefrigerated pickles last?
Pickles left out for more than two hours (including overnight) should be thrown away according to the official USDA recommendations for all foods requiring refrigeration. However, due to their acidic brine, pickles left out overnight may be less likely to actually cause food poisoning than other non-acidic foods.Can pickles go unrefrigerated?
If you leave them out, make sure there's sufficient brine to completely cover the pickles--the expose pickles would go bad faster. I do know that unrefrigerated pickles aren't as crunchy as the same ones that have been kept cold, so that could be a consideration too.Quick Pickles - Everyday Food with Sarah Carey
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