Fermentation Or Pickling - What’s The Difference?

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Fermentation and pickling are two popular means of preserving perishable foods and have been in use since the very early days. Although we have the convenience of the refrigerator to preserve our foods today, fermenting and pickling still remain popular.

In some circles, the words fermentation and pickling are interchangeably used. Despite some overlap, there are significant differences that distinguish one from another. Consider them twins separated at birth. Let’s take a look at five factors common to each and see how they differ from each other.
Fermentation And Pickling - Distinguishing Factors
Definition
In fermentation, carbohydrates are converted into alcohols, carbon dioxide, and organic acids. This conversion is carried out by an agent such as enzyme, bacterium, and yeast. It’s a process that occurs naturally.
In pickling, otherwise perishable foods are preserved by drying and dipping them in brine or a solution of vinegar. This process helps preserve foods for several months.
Origin
Fermentation is a process that naturally occurs in fruits. Wine is an example. ...
... Grape juice is converted into an alcoholic beverage called wine through the action of the yeasts. This process has been around since the ancient days and dates back to 8, 000 years.
Pickling is a process that came about as a necessity. Back in the day, pickling rose as a process that helped preserve out-of-season foods. It was also used during long journeys.
Method
In fermentation, the energy stored in sugars is extracted by an agent like yeast without the use of oxygen. This method drives the alcoholic beverage industry.
The containers that will hold the foods are sterilized. The foods or beverage is then added to this sterilized container, and fermentation is allowed to happen till the desired taste is achieved.

In pickling, the jar and lid are first sterilized by boiling. Fruits or vegetables are then added to this jar along with a solution of vinegar or brine. This mix is allowed to ferment till the desired taste is obtained.
Purpose
Fermentation is a process that, in addition to preserving food, is an important part of baking. Foods like bread would not have the bulkiness and texture if not for the fermentation process.
Pickling has been used for food preservation from the very early days, especially when summer foods needed to be saved up for the winter months. Additionally, pickling helps change one food into another, such as cucumber to pickles, and add flavor to food.
Foods
Fermented foods include alcoholic beverages such as wines and beers and foods such as cheese, bread, and sausages.
Pickled foods include eggs, cucumbers, vegetables, meats, fruits, and nuts.
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