AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I canned some jalapenos using a recipe that calls for a solution of 50%water and 50%White Wine vinegar, and 1/8 tsp canning salt (per pint jar). I forgot to add the salt to 2 of my jars. Will those peppers still be ok to eat? should I refrigerate those jars? Thanks.
Answer Hi Kevin,
First, it is important that you are using research-tested recipes when making pickled products because the acidity concentration is vitally important to the safety of the product.
When I compared your recipe to a tested recipe for making pickled jalapenos (http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_06/pickled_hot_peppers.html) I notice that your recipe of equal portions of water and vinegar does not match the desired level of acidity of the tested recipe. Without the desired acidity (regardless of the omission of the salt) the recipe does not provide a safe acidic environment for a canned pickeled product and could support the growth of deadly botulism.
With the above in mind, I can not recommend consuming the pickles, even if they are refrigerated.
I suggest you read the research-based information on pickling which can be found at www.homefoodpreservation.com. This website is home of the National Center for Home Food Preservation housed at the University of Georgia and all recipes are tested for both safety and quality.
I'm sorry to have to give you this information about your jalapenos but your health and safety could be jeopardized by consuming canned foods that are not processed properly.
