What does soaking in a solution of baking soda do to fruit when preserving it?

Last year the recipe I used for preserving whole figs involved pricking the figs with a fork and soaking them in a weak solution of baking soda.

What is the baking soda doing to the fruit in this step? Can it be keeping the figs from disintegration (a problem with this year's batch)?

The remainder of the recipe involves boiling the fruit with lots of sugar, then putting the fruit into jars, thickening the remaining syrup and topping off the jars with that.

food-preservation

Best Answer

Alkalinity breaks down the structure of plant cell walls. I assume the purpose of this baking soda bath is to soften the structure of the fig. That's why yours softened so much. If you want to maintain the structure of the fig, try using an acidic bath, as acidity helps to maintain plant cell structure.

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Quick Answer about "What does soaking in a solution of baking soda do to fruit when preserving it?"

The US Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and other scientists agree: use a cold water soak with baking soda to effectively help remove dirt, chemical residue, and other unwanted materials from your fresh vegetables and fruits.

Does baking soda help preserve?

Not only does it clean, it also deodorizes! Deodorizing Plastic Containers: Keep your plastic food storage containers and thermos smelling fresh. Wash them with Baking Soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. For lingering odors, just soak items in a solution of 4 tablespoons Baking Soda solution in 1 quart warm water.

Why do you wash figs in baking soda?

Sprinkle the baking soda over the figs; cover with the 12 cups of boiling water. Soak for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This helps remove any latex from the skin of any slightly under-ripe figs.

Why is baking soda so useful?

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient whose uses extend far beyond cooking. This household staple shines when it comes to neutralizing odors and cleaning, as it helps remove tough stains, eliminate foul odors, and clean difficult areas like the oven, microwave, and tile grout.

Is baking soda safe to eat?

Q: Can baking soda be consumed? A: Absolutely. It's a popular ingredient in recipes, particularly baked goods. It can also be consumed as an antacid.

Dip a Lemon in Baking Soda, and the Result Will Amaze You!

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Images: Quang Nguyen Vinh, Lisa, Karolina Grabowska, Mick Victor