Shelf stability of uncanned vinegar-pickled vegetables

So far I've been storing my pickles (beans, sliced cucumbers, chillies; pickled in vinegar, not fermented) in the fridge from day zero, not canned, just in jars with a decently airtight sealing push-top lid.

But I like them, so I'm losing a lot of fridge space to them. (Especially because I want to be eating them and also have some pickling away to be ready when they've finished.)

So I wondered if they really need to be in the fridge? They're submerged in a solution of anywhere from 1:1 white vinegar:water to 0:1 (I like vinegar).

Is the lower temperature really taking care of anything that the vinegar (labelled 5% acidity, so final solution is 2.5-5%) wouldn't? As I understand it, the key to safe lacto-fermentation, which is done at room temperature, is to get a good ferment going quickly enough that it gets acidic enough to ward off 'bad bacteria' quickly.

Pictures about "Shelf stability of uncanned vinegar-pickled vegetables"

Shelf stability of uncanned vinegar-pickled vegetables - Variety of Herbs and Vegetables

Shelf stability of uncanned vinegar-pickled vegetables - Jars with various pickled vegetables on shelf in cafe

Shelf stability of uncanned vinegar-pickled vegetables - Mother Holding Child

Are vinegar pickles shelf stable?

Canned vinegar pickles are made with higher proportions of vinegar, salt and sugar. The jars are then processed in a hot water bath. These pickles are shelf-stable and most often stored in a cupboard with a shelf life in the range of 6 months to a year or more.

Are pickled vegetables shelf stable?

An unopened jar of pickles can be stored at room temperature (i.e., the pantry) or in the fridge for up to two years past the expiration date. Once opened, pickles will stay fresh for roughly the same length of time as long as they are stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.

How long can you keep vegetables in vinegar?

The pickled vegetables or fruit will keep for about 5 to 6 months in a jar \u2014 always make sure to refrigerate whatever you pickle.

How long do pickled vegetables last unrefrigerated?

First of all, let's address another subject \u2014 unopened pickles and how long they last. When canned and sealed properly, an unopened jar sitting on a pantry shelf, basement, dry place or anywhere at room temperature will last for 2 years or beyond.

How to Make Quick Pickled Vegetables the Right Way || A Little Help: Quick Pickling

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Anna Shvets, Madison Inouye, Rachel Claire, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA