24 hour Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles

[JB]

I did and the were just as good!   Oh sorry--yes, definitely in the fridge!!!   

[JB]

Hey pickle makers.

I just made these again, and this time they're a tad tart, not quite sweet enough-like too vinegary. I'm wondering if I could a some water with sugar in it to take some of the bite out. What do you think?

[baileyj]

I guess you could .... 
I would heat up some water and sugar until clear, then add. 
You don't want the sugar to chrystalize in the brine..it should be smooth and clear.
 
4 Cups of sugar does seem like plenty of sugar for sweetness, I wonder what happened...usually mine are very sweet, even too sweet rather than tart  . 

Did you use Cider or White vinegar ?  Maybe that is it.
Good luck, let us know how it goes 
Judi

[JB]

Judi,

Thanks for the reply. I have an idea what might have happened. Does cider vinegar go bad?

Today I just remembered that when I made these, there was a lot of sediment in the bottom of the vinegar bottle and I didn't shake it/mix it, etc. I only noticed it after I had poured most of it in the measuing cup. If the vinegar was bad (and I did use cider vinegar), then it's probably not worth trying to save them with a little more sugar.

They were so good the first time I made them that this was a real disappointment.

I also only made half a recipe, but I don't think that should have had any effect.

What do you think?

JB

[baileyj]

JB,
I am not sure if Cider Vinegar goes bad, but it may.  I don't use much of it so do not keep it around, except during the summer to use for pickles.  My usual cider is red wine and I go through it quickly.
I would think if it was cloudy it may have not been good....
Judi

[bobk]

Vinegar does not go bad, it's actually self preserving because of its acidic nature.
The sediment does not affect it, only an aesthetic change.

[baileyj]

So maybe the idea of it going bad is incorrect, but does the flavor change with age--like become more acidic or tart with age ?

[Deb]

For safety's sake, you don't want to change the acidity balance.  If they taste too much like vinegar, you can add sugar to offset the taste, but don't add water.  You will change the pickling process and the pickles might spoil.

Vinegar does not go bad.  Organic vinegar has a 'mother' growing in it which often looks like sediment.

Deb