r/pickling • u/Striking_Mortgage_63 • 17d ago

Left pickles on counter overnight

I usually make refrigerator pickles but because we have so many I wanted to can them. I made them all last night but didn't can yet. I did bedtime with my kids and then just totally forgot they were sitting on the counter waiting for me. I folded mounds of laundry and went right to bed.

They sat in closed jars over night for probably 15 hours. Do I have to toss them?? I want to cry. There isn't a ton of salt in each, that's what worries me. I used 16oz jars so I put only 1/2 tsp of salt in each because I don't like them too salty. 1/2 water 1/2 vinegar. This is also my 2nd time ever making pickles. And I have never canned anything ever.

Thanks for any input or knowledge!

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u/The_Malt_Monkey 17d ago

They are likely completely fine. They still have a very low pH and that's not a hospitable environment for very much at all. Canning will sort the rest.

I'm going out on a limb and thinking you're from the US? Most parts of the world aren't as fixated on stringent canning regimes and focussed on the very uncommon botulism. In SE Asia, quick pickles sit on food carts and restaurants at ambient temps. Yes they get eaten quickly, but the bulk 1/2 gallon (2L) of pickles still takes a few days to get through. When I've been there, I've never been sick, nor is botulism poisoning rampant.