I'll be making some dill pickles over the weekend, and in an effort to keep them as crispy as possible I am going to use the low-temp pasteurization method.
This method is approved by the USDA, but if I were you I'd calibrate my thermometer first...you have a very narrow temperature range and must keep the heat level there for 30 minutes.
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_06/...p_pasteur.html
How do I? ...Ferment or Pickle
Preparing and Canning Fermented and Pickled Foods
Low-Temperature Pasteurization Treatment
The following treatment results in a better product texture but must be carefully managed to avoid possible spoilage. Place jars in a canner filled half way with warm (120º to 140º F) water. Then, add hot water to a level 1 inch above jars. Heat the water enough to maintain 180º to 185º F water temperature for 30 minutes. Check with a candy or jelly thermometer to be certain that the water temperature is at least 180ºF during the entire 30 minutes. Temperatures higher than 185ºF may cause unnecessary softening of pickles. Caution: Use only when recipe indicates.
This document was extracted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA (Revised 2009).
This method is approved by the USDA, but if I were you I'd calibrate my thermometer first...you have a very narrow temperature range and must keep the heat level there for 30 minutes.
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_06/...p_pasteur.html
How do I? ...Ferment or Pickle
Preparing and Canning Fermented and Pickled Foods
Low-Temperature Pasteurization Treatment
The following treatment results in a better product texture but must be carefully managed to avoid possible spoilage. Place jars in a canner filled half way with warm (120º to 140º F) water. Then, add hot water to a level 1 inch above jars. Heat the water enough to maintain 180º to 185º F water temperature for 30 minutes. Check with a candy or jelly thermometer to be certain that the water temperature is at least 180ºF during the entire 30 minutes. Temperatures higher than 185ºF may cause unnecessary softening of pickles. Caution: Use only when recipe indicates.
This document was extracted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA (Revised 2009).
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