The USDA no longer recommends alum in pickles. The alum was used in the past to make pickles crisp (it did not work very well). Most pickle recipes now create crispness by soaking cucumber slices in a salt water brine, kept cold for 6-24 hours. Refer to a modern recipe for making pickles.
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.
According to the USDA, alum may still safely be used to firm fermented cucumbers, but it does not improve the firmness of quick-process pickles. If you use good-quality ingredients and follow current canning methods, alum is not needed. If you do use alum, do not use more than 1/4 teaspoon per quart of pickling liquid. Excess will cause bitterness. For up-to-date canning recipes, contact your local county Extension agency.
Alum in small amounts is generally safe for consumption, but ingesting large quantities can be harmful, causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It is important to use alum in cooking or pickling in recommended quantities.
Alum can cause stomach problems although it was once used in the pickling process to make pickles crisper. Alum is used in the canning process, particularly for pickles, to provide extra crunch. It is allowed by government agency, but its use is not recommended. Do not use in final product, only in intermediate soaking steps.
Allum, or alum, is used in pickles primarily as a firming agent. It helps maintain the crisp texture of cucumbers and other vegetables during the pickling process. Additionally, alum can enhance the overall crunchiness of the pickles, making them more palatable. However, it's important to use alum sparingly, as excessive amounts can be harmful.
Alum, commonly used in food processing, water purification, and as a pickling agent, is generally considered safe for consumption in small amounts. However, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and other health issues. Inhalation of alum dust can irritate the respiratory tract, and skin exposure may cause irritation in some individuals. It's important to use alum as directed and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about its use.
Vinegar and alum can be used together as part of a pickling solution for preserving fruits and vegetables. However, adding water to this mixture may dilute its effectiveness. It is recommended to follow a specific recipe when using these ingredients together to ensure desired results.
Any difference, both are sodium chloride.
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.
If you don't have alum, you can use alternatives such as baking soda, cream of tartar, or vinegar, depending on the recipe's purpose. For pickling, try using white vinegar or lemon juice. In baking, a combination of baking soda and an acid like vinegar or yogurt can help achieve a similar effect. Always adjust quantities according to the specific recipe requirements.
calpol
The recommended amount of calcium chloride to use when pickling vegetables is typically 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per quart of pickling liquid.