Refrigerator pickles in plastic?
This year I'm going to try my hand at pickling. I've found recipes for asparagus refrigerator pickles that sound good, but they all say to use mason jars. I have a number of plastic containers that are of a perfect size and shape. Is there a good reason to use glass rather than plastic for refrigerator pickles?
Best Answer
Advantages of glass: you can see the product....the container does not pick up any flavor or color from the product...other than that, in this case (refrigerator pickle) there is no reason not to use your plastic. In fact, the only reason to use glass, that I can think of, is if you we going to can your pickles for extended shelf life. Then, of course, would would need Mason jars or equivalent. Fermenting, doesn't have much to do with this question either. I often store homemade sauerkraut and kimchee in plastic quart containers without issue.
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Quick Answer about "Refrigerator pickles in plastic?"
It is possible to pickle foods in a plastic container as long as you use the quick-pickle method because it does not involve boiling that would otherwise melt the plastic. Additionally, plastic does not break down when exposed to the vinegar solution often used in pickling.Can Refrigerator Pickles be stored in plastic?
You don't even need glass mason jars to make these pickles. Plastic containers work fine. However, you should check with the manufacture of the plastic containers you want to use to make sure they're safe for storing food long term.Can pickles be stored in plastic jars?
In the same way, pickles are stored in glass containers because they do not react with the substance glass and do not produce harmful by-products. Hence, pickles should be kept in glass containers and not in plastic containers.Why pickles are kept in plastic?
Expert-verified answer Pickles are stored in plastic bottles mainly because they are acidic in nature. Pickle formation is the process done to preserve the food items. Thus it contains salt and vinegar. Vinegar provides acidity that inhibits micro organisms' growth.How long do pickles last in a plastic container?
How long do opened dill pickles last in the refrigerator? Dill pickles that have been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 1 year.Easy Overnight Refrigerator Pickles
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Answer 2
Per the Clemson University Extension:
Can I ferment pickles in a new plastic garbage can?
The plastic needs to be food-grade. Pickles and sauerkraut can be fermented in large stoneware crocks, large glass jars or food-grade plastic containers.
Since fermenting is usually longer term and very acidic, and since many food products are sold in plastic containers, one can reasonably infer that you are fine as long as the containers are food safe plastic.
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