Can gherkins go off?

pol

I opened a jar of gherkins a couple of weeks ago, and they have now got a white layer of bits on the top. When I moved the jar some settled on the bottom. I just wondered, has anyone else had this? Are they still ok to eat? I washed one and had a little taste, it seemed ok, but I don't want to make anyone ill. I've only taken two out and don't want to throw them out.

thanks

pol

Newbird

pol,

I think it's just the sediment from the stuff in the vinegar. You do have to keep em in the fridge tho once opened. Should stay fine for quite a while, they are preserved by the vinegar. I've never had a problem even after keeping them longer than I should!

Obviously if they taste odd chuck em, but I'm sure they should be fine.

Mado

How long have they been opened?

Never had a problem either but I always keep them in the fridge. Vinegar is not a particularly inviting medium for bacteria so I wouldn't worry too much, especially if they taste fine.

arkonite_babe

I wouldn't have thought so as Newbird says, they are preserved so should be ok, but if in doubt, chuck it out!!

innovate

The minute you open the jar, they certainly can go off. Air, light and warm temperatures will exaccerbate the process [not that I know the chemics' reasons for this, but it sure happens! may be someone else here knows the precise reasons]....so keep an opened jar in the fridge, and not for too long!

gallygirl

Which is all very well.... but apart from hm tartare sauce (which was yum!!!) what can I do with the rest of them??????

Please anyone????

DS doesn't like them on burgers, I don't like burgers!

Penelope_Penguin

I just eat them straight from the jar! Possibly a throwback to when I was pregnant. Or in a cheese sarnie. Or best of all in a potato topped fish pie (Delia recipe).

Penny. x

Ticklemouse

send them here - DS2 will eat them for breakfast, if he gets a chance

I never keep mine in the fridge Perhaps I should, but then again, they are never around long enough to go off (although I do recall a similar white layer on some, ages ago. If I remember rightly, I ate them anyway and they were fine)

gallygirl

Actually, as they are at the front of the fridge I have noticed that teh fridge fairy seems to be eating them (ahem.....) so maybe won't be a problem for long!!!

Fish pie - doh!!!!!!! Should have thought of that!!! Off to investigate now (via fridge;) )

Thanks all

Stratford_Bill

As I have said on another posting, I am old enough to remember a time when the family did not have a fridge. Jars of pickles that had been opened used to be left in the pantry sometimes for years. They will of course go off eventually

gallygirl

Ahem, this is turning out to not be a serious issue as the fridge fairy is making serious inroads into them!!!! As was my friend who stayed last night!

But on the plus side, did a search on google and found some lovely salsa like sauces so will experiment.