I wanted to know, what are some of the homemade pickling mixtures? I have been using saftee, but I would like to make my own mixture rather than buy it.
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I'm at a loss as to how to even address that question. You do understand that you can't MAKE acid, I would hope. There are various TYPES of acids and all will work as long as you maintain that exceptionally low pH, but it's still acid and it has to be bought someplace unless you planning on boiling down oak bark or something.
I guess there was some confusion about what I was asking. I was wanting to know of a pickling agent that is more accesible than through online/catalog purchasing. What other types are out there? Also, you CAN make an acid and the process is relatively easy, but I guess therein lies the confusion.
And safe-tee acid can't be beat for price. i don't have the figures in front of me but citric is a pretty distant second. Given the handling characteristics (ie. safety), i think it's the best choice overall as well.
If you want convenience, oxalic acid crystals are available in the paint section of the hardware store (for bleaching oak). However, again the unit price per gallon of pickle produced is lower with safe-tee acid.
I have been using it for years. It is readily available at most hardware stores. "Crown" brand seems to be the best. Use one ounce per gallon in a brine containing 40% salt.