The ideal amount of kosher salt for pickles, based on a classic pickle brine ratio, is 12.5% by weight of the vinegar used.
Here's a breakdown to help you calculate the right amount for your pickle brine:
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The Classic Ratio: The foundation of a good pickle brine is a ratio of ingredients. A simple and scalable ratio is:
- 100% Vinegar
- 50% Water
- 25% Sugar
- 12.5% Kosher Salt
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Example: If you're using 200 grams of vinegar, you'll need:
- 200g Vinegar
- 100g Water
- 50g Sugar
- 25g Kosher Salt (because 12.5% of 200g is 25g)
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Scaling Up or Down: The beauty of this ratio is that you can easily adjust the amounts based on how many pickles you want to make. Just keep the percentages consistent.
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Important Note: This ratio is a starting point, and you can adjust it to your taste. Some people prefer a more sour pickle, while others like them sweeter. Feel free to experiment!
