The USDA no longer approves of the use or alum of picking lime in the preparation of pickles. Refer to the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) website, it is an excellent source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation and includes many tested recipes.
Pickling lime used to be an accepted method of adding crispness to pickled cucumbers. The USDA no longer recommends use of pickling lime. Pickling lime is alkaline and must all be washed off of the cucumbers or it can result in a less acidic pickling solution. It the pickling solution is not acidic enough it can allow botulism an environment in which to grow. Botulism cases have been linked to this situation and this is the reason it is no longer recommended.
Baking Soda
An alternative to alum is potassium bicarbonate, which can be used in baking as a leavening agent or as a food preservative. Another option is vinegar, which can also serve as a natural preservative and is often used in pickling. For water purification, activated charcoal is a common substitute that effectively removes impurities.
No, baking powder cannot replace pickling lime. Pickling lime, or calcium hydroxide, is used in the pickling process to maintain crispness and enhance the texture of fruits and vegetables. Baking powder, on the other hand, is a leavening agent that contains baking soda and an acid, which serves a different purpose in cooking and baking. Using baking powder instead of pickling lime would alter the flavor and texture of the pickled products.
Alum is a double sulfate salt with astringent properties. It is commonly used as a deodorant, aftershave, and for pickling. Alum is also known for its ability to treat canker sores and minor skin irritations.
Alum can be purchased in a one pound package. It is a granulated powder that is used in pickling recipes, papermaking, dying and coloration.
Alum is used in pickling to help maintain the crispness and firmness of fruits and vegetables. It works by strengthening the pectin in the cell walls, which prevents them from becoming mushy during the pickling process. Additionally, alum can enhance the overall texture of the pickles, ensuring they remain crunchy while absorbing flavors from the brine. However, it's important to use it in moderation, as excessive alum can be harmful.
For soaking cucumbers overnight to make pickles, you typically use pickling salt rather than pickling lime. Pickling salt is pure salt without additives, which helps in creating a brine that enhances flavor and preserves the cucumbers. Pickling lime, on the other hand, is used in the process to maintain crispness but is not recommended for overnight soaking due to its alkaline properties. Always follow a reliable recipe for the best results.
Alum is used as a drying agent in tanning and paper making and is basically a salt compound. It is also used in food products for pickling and baking.
Alum is called "फिटकरी" (fitkari) in Hindi. It is commonly used for various purposes in traditional Indian households such as water purification, skincare, and pickling.
Lemon or lime zest can be used as a substitute for kaffir lime leaves in cooking.
Lemon or lime zest can be used as a substitute for makrut lime leaves in cooking.