Pickling salt

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by susan rumbold on August 30, 2009 at 7:19am

Hi Peggy.

I've never done pickles but do know that my mother used pickling salt and used to be able to get it at stores like Agway.

I do believe it is different from regular table salt.

Have you checked online?

Permalink Reply by Meghan E. Murphy on August 30, 2009 at 8:14am

From what I'm reading online, it seems that pickling salt is finer and more pure than table salt. Kosher salt is OK to use, but may not "perform as well."

On that note, I need to find some pickling experts to invite to this forum. I know we have a few - because Rosendale hosts an entire pickle festival in the fall!

Permalink Reply by Dana Devine O'Malley on August 30, 2009 at 6:45pm

i have seen it sold at adams. i have used kosher salt for refrigerated pickles and it was fine. but for water bath pickles not so much...

Permalink Reply by K.E. Murphy on September 7, 2009 at 8:49pm

Hi Peggy!

Pickling salt doesn't have the iodine and anti-caking agents in it that are used in table salt. It's also finer grained to dissolve with less work. It's regular old NaCl though and table salt will work in a pinch but your pickles might not look as good due most especially to discoloration due to iodine. You can buy pickling salt online, and it's easier to find by searching "Ball Pickling Salt" "Morton's Pickling Salt" or for any other specific manufacturer by name.

KEM

Permalink Reply by Peggy Murphy on September 9, 2009 at 7:19am

So bottom line is I need pickling salt before next year when I get my next batch of cucumbers. But if I get stuck without it I may be able to make some refrigerated pickles. Thanks to all for your help with this.