Alum Not Needed

Ask the Test Kitchen

In my more youthful days, pickled cucumbers referred to as for alum to hold the vegetables crisp in home canning recipes. But nowadays, recipes for pickled veggies do not call for alum. Why is it no longer used? —H.K., Las Cruces, New MexicoYears in the past, it become not unusual to see alum listed in canned pickle recipes. According to the USDA, alum may also nevertheless appropriately be used to corporation fermented cucumbers, but it does now not enhance the firmness of short-manner pickles. If you operate excellent-best ingredients and observe contemporary canning techniques, alum is not wished.

If you do use alum, do now not use more than 1/4 teaspoon consistent with quart of pickling liquid. Excess will purpose bitterness. For up-to-date canning recipes, touch your local county Extension company.