How Do You Adjust The PH With Lemon Juice?
Balancing the pH or acidity level of food can be extremely important in assuring quality and taste. According to horticulture researchers at North Dakota State University, a pH level of 4.6 or below is required for canning foods such as salsa or jelly to ensure bacteria cannot grow. Acidity levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where 0 is extremely acidic and 14 is extremely alkaline or not acidic. Acidic lemon juice falls low on the scale, so adding lemon juice to foods with a high pH will adjust the level to its safe zone. Add lemon juice during your cooking process when food is being reduced or combined. Mix in 1 tbsp. of lemon juice for each pint of salsa, jelly or other food product you want to can. You can use fresh-squeezed lemon juice or juice from a bottle. Add the required amount of lemon juice to the canning jars before you add the rest of the food for an alternative method. Pouring the salsa or jelly over the lemon juice will mix it thoroughly.
