i have read many things in the archives on pickling but nothing that really answers the question that i have. i am wondering how long a pickle bath of citric acid lasts? i been using the same bath for about a month and maintaining a ph of around 2. it is getting pretty bloody and dirty, is it still good to use if i have the correct ph? do i have to worry about bacteria?
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Gary:
Here is what I do and have learned.
2.0 or lower ph does not provide a favorable environment for bacteria. You should also maintain a salt level of 45% +/-. I think salinity and ph go hand-in-hand.
You did not say how many gallons of pickle you have. So if talking about a few gallons,then perhaps you should neutralilze it and dispose accordingly because you said it was getting bloody and dirty. I have learned that if I flesh major pcs. meat and hose off old fluids,I can get more longevity out of the pickle. I have used ca till it really got yuckey, but as long as ph and salinity were kept within acceptable limits I have had no problems.
Ron