Re-using pickling liquid

[bloviatrix]

Can I re-use pickling liquid? I've got several cups sitting in the container from my last batch which was devoured and we were wondering if it's safe. The recipe contained white vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, dill and pickling spices.

[Katherine]

My understanding is that water is drawn out from the vegetables, which dilutes the brine. I've reused pickle juice to pickle hard boiled eggs, and after they are eaten (within a week) I throw the liquid out.

[suzilightning]

uh... you have liquid leftover?

i tend to drink it after the pickles are gone

<hangs head and tucks it under her wing in shame>

[little ms foodie]

I saw Martha reuse pickling liquid just by cutting up some carrots and putting them in the jar and putting it back in the fridge. Never tried it though.

[stovetop]

i tend to drink it after the pickles are gone

I had a chef friend and fellow worker who used to swear it was a hangover cure( pickle juice), it must have worked for him because he did it all the time, It was a resort after all so what else do chefs do but work and drink.

steve

[jsolomon]

Definitely works great for eggs, carrots, etc. My advice would be to consume quickly. You could also reinvigorate the brine with some more vinegar. However, if you're planning on actually using this as a preservative, you ought to re-pack (i.e. pressure/water pack) using new tops on the jars. You can reuse the rings, though.

Just, don't expect it to preserve things. However, as a condiment/quick pickle it would be a fabulous use. It also goes really well in bloody marys.

[Rachel Perlow]

Sandra Lee uses pickle juice in all kinds of "recipes." :ducks:

I would think, to actually pickle something, you should boil it again.

[andiesenji]

I reuse it, however I usually bring it to a boil and add more vinegar and sugar. I've never had a problem, however I keep the pickles in the refrigerator.

[lmarshal1]

I've reused pickling liquid often...but think it doesn't pack

the original wallop. I make pickled beets from plain canned

beets and have used the pickling liquid from that...but

quickly and not actually canning with it...just in the fridge.

lkm

[bloviatrix]

Well, I tossed the old liquid and made a fresh batch. But, Blovie is intrigued at the idea of using the pickling liquid in a bloody mary. He's going to try that after we eat the new bunch of pickles.

[slbunge]

Well, I tossed the old liquid and made a fresh batch. But, Blovie is intrigued at the idea of using the pickling liquid in a bloody mary. He's going to try that after we eat the new bunch of pickles.

That is one hell of an idea.

[Knicke]

Dirty martinis also put brine to good use. It doesn't have to be olive brine; anything salty works.