Pickling salt, also known as canning salt or preserving salt, is a type of salt used for canning and pickling vegetables and other foods. It has specialized properties that make it ideal for brining and pickling. The shelf life of pickling salt depends on how it is stored and the humidity levels it is exposed to.
What is Pickling Salt?
Pickling salt is a fine-grained salt that is free of additives like iodine and anti-caking agents. These additives can cause pickles and brined foods to turn dark and cloudy. Pickling salt consists almost entirely of sodium chloride.
The fine, even grains of pickling salt quickly dissolve in water to form a brine solution. This allows the brine to penetrate the food thoroughly and evenly in the canning process. The purity of pickling salt also helps prevent spoilage.
Shelf Life of Unopened Pickling Salt
An unopened package of pickling salt has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Salt in its natural mineral form does not expire or go bad.
However, pickling salt can degrade in quality and clump together when exposed to moisture and humidity over a long period of time. Storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place can help prolong its shelf life and keep it free-flowing.
Pantry Storage
Unopened pickling salt will last indefinitely on the pantry shelf if stored in a sealed container away from moisture and heat. An airtight container, jar, or resealable bag would all be suitable options for protecting it from humidity.
Make sure to keep the container tightly sealed. Any humidity or moisture that gets inside can cause the salt to crystallize and form clumps over time. An air-tight container prevents this.
Store the salt somewhere with a cool, consistent temperature. Heat, direct sunlight, and humidity fluctuations can shorten its optimal shelf life. A kitchen pantry or cupboard away from the stove, oven, and sinks is ideal.
Fridge Storage
For exceptionally long shelf life, unopened pickling salt can be refrigerated. The cold, dry environment of the fridge will prevent humidity issues and extend its shelf life even longer.
Place the sealed salt container on a fridge shelf, away from any perishable foods that may leak or produce condensation. The optimal fridge temperature is around 34-40°F.
Freezer Storage
Pickling salt can also be stored in the freezer if you want to extend its shelf life for several years. Place the sealed salt container in the freezer, where the temperature remains at 0°F or below.
Make sure the salt is in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Glass jars, plastic containers, or freezer bags can all work well. Properly sealed, the salt can keep for 5 years or longer frozen.
Shelf Life of Opened Pickling Salt
Once opened, pickling salt has a shorter shelf life and can start to degrade in quality and clump if not stored properly.
Pantry Storage
After opening, store pickling salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. An opened box or bag of pickling salt will quickly absorb moisture and humidity from the surrounding air.
Transfer it to a sealed glass or plastic container to protect it. Mason jars, plastic food storage containers, and airtight canisters are good options. Make sure to close it tightly after each use.
When stored properly in the pantry, opened pickling salt will remain in good condition for about 1 year.
Fridge Storage
For longer shelf life up to 5 years, you can refrigerate opened pickling salt. The low temperature and enclosed environment help prevent moisture absorption.
Keep it in a tightly sealed container away from fresh produce, juices, and wet foods. Make sure to seal it well each time you open it to prevent humidity from entering.
Freezer Storage
Opened pickling salt can also be frozen for long-term storage up to 5 years. Keep it in a sealed, moisture-proof container in the freezer, where it will remain dry and free-flowing.
Let the salt come to room temperature before use so moisture does not get into the container when opening it. Tightly seal it again each time after use.
How To Tell if Pickling Salt Has Gone Bad
Salt itself does not spoil or expire, but pickling salt can go bad in quality over time if stored improperly. Here are signs your pickling salt may have degraded:
- It develops clumps and will not dissolve well in water
- It becomes hard and solidified into chunks
- It turns yellowish or grey in color
- It becomes damp or wet to the touch
- It develops a chemical or salty odor, different from its normal scent
If your pickling salt displays these signs, it has likely been exposed to excessive moisture and humidity and should be discarded. Throw away any clumped or discolored salt.
Substitutes for Expired Pickling Salt
If your pickling salt has expired or gone bad, you have a few options to find a substitute for recipes:
- Kosher salt – Kosher salt works well as it has larger, flaky grains that dissolve easily. Use the same amount the recipe calls for.
- Sea salt – Sea salt can substitute 1:1 for pickling salt. Use finely ground sea salt if possible.
- Table salt – As a last resort, you can use table salt. Use about half the amount called for as table salt is denser.
- Canning salt – Canning salt is very similar to pickling salt and can be used interchangeably.
Avoid using salts with iodine or anti-caking agents like iodized table salt. The additives can cause discoloration of pickled foods over time. Using a pure salt will help ensure quality pickled products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pickling salt expire?
Technically salt itself does not expire. However, pickling salt can degrade in quality and clump together if exposed to humidity over a long storage period. Properly stored it can last indefinitely, but open boxes or packages have a shorter shelf life of about 1-5 years.
How should you store pickling salt?
Store unopened pickling salt in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Keep opened pickling salt in a sealed, moisture-proof container in the pantry or fridge. For maximum shelf life up to 5 years, store in the freezer.
What happens if you use expired pickling salt?
Expired or degraded pickling salt may not dissolve well in water. It can result in uneven brining and cause cloudiness or off-colors in pickled foods. For best results, always use fresh non-clumped pickling salt within its recommended shelf life.
Can you use regular salt for pickling?
It’s best to use pickling or canning salt for the canning process. Table salt contains anti-caking agents that can cause cloudiness. However, in a pinch you can use kosher salt or plain sea salt as substitutes in equal amounts.
Does pickling salt go bad if it gets wet?
Yes, moisture is the enemy of pickling salt. Salt is hygroscopic and will absorb water and humidity, causing it to clump together. Store pickling salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent this. Discard any salt that has become hard, damp, or developed clumps.
Conclusion
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, pickling salt has an indefinite shelf life. Opened containers will last 1-5 years kept sealed in the pantry or fridge. Signs of degradation include clumping, dampness, and color changes.
Pickling salt enables safe home canning and pickling when used within its shelf life. Storing it correctly in airtight containers will help ensure it stays free-flowing and usable for all your brining needs.