PREVENTION OF SOFT CENTER DEVELOPMENT IN LARGE WHOLE CUCUMBER PICKLES BY CALCIUM

Abstract
Large whole cucumbers (size no. 4) were fermented and held in solutions containing low NaCl (14.5° salometer) with and without CaCl2 at 24° C for 1 and 4 months. Firmness of pericarp and locular tissues (centers) of pickles exposed to CaCl2 was much greater than of pickles not exposed to CaCl2 (control) after 1 and 4 months in storage. Locular tissue of pickles not exposed to CaCl2 softened dramatically between 1 and 4 months in storage and after 4 months centers were extremely soft. In contrast, centers of pickles exposed to CaCl2 were firm and intact after 1 and 4 months. Addition of CaCl2 to fermentation and storage brines appears to provide a simple method for pickle processors to prevent soft center development in large pickles.

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