pickles

[pugetsnd]

Not sure if anyone is making pickles with the lactic acid fermentation process. This is the way cucumbers were preserved for hundreds of years and if you ever had a Deli pickle from a barrel, you experienced fermented pickles. No vinegar, just salt solution and pickling spice and other spices like dill, red pepper flakes, garlic, whole peppercorns, etc. The process must be done in an oxygen free environment (glass weights to hold the pickles below the salt solution) and preferably in a fermenting crock. Blossom ends (about 1/4 inch) need to be cut off and tannins from grape leaves, black tea, or other sources help keep the pickles crisp. Nothing like it on the retail market.

 

[daveomak]

 
Not sure if anyone is making pickles with the lactic acid fermentation process. This is the way cucumbers were preserved for hundreds of years and if you ever had a Deli pickle from a barrel, you experienced fermented pickles. No vinegar, just salt solution and pickling spice and other spices like dill, red pepper flakes, garlic, whole peppercorns, etc. The process must be done in an oxygen free environment (glass weights to hold the pickles below the salt solution) and preferably in a fermenting crock. Blossom ends (about 1/4 inch) need to be cut off and tannins from grape leaves, black tea, or other sources help keep the pickles crisp. Nothing like it on the retail market.

I've done lactic acid fermentation using horseradish leaves for the tannin....   They are delicious ... 

 

[nimrod]

Sorry, I am stuck on the "why wont my car start" post.
Just too funny...
SmokinAls pickles turned out great! Ready to make another batch.
Craig

 

[oddegan]

I just read this thread and the awesome snarkiness had me laughing out loud. One of our machine operators here has the first response to any machine not working properly of picking up a hammer and hitting it and honestly doesn't seem to get why it never fixes the problem. First part of the solution. QUIT HITTING IT WITH A HAMMER!