Storing raw cultured vegetables and juices

How long will the products keep after opening?

Providing you protect the product from contact with the air (oxidation), and keep the product refrigerated and immersed in its own juice, the raw cultured vegetables will keep for a full month or more after opening. You can do this by resealing the vacuum pack, or by using another container and compressing a good quality plastic film directly against the surface.

How long can I keep the products unopened in the refrigerator?

Refrigeration will preserve our products unopened for several months.

Is it OK to freeze the products for long-term storage?

Yes. When vacuum-packed and unopened, Caldwell's cultured vegetables can be stored frozen for up to one year. The high proportion of lactic acid protects them and prevents any degradation. Tests conducted at the Food Research and Development Center (FRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada produced the following conclusions:

• There were no detectable decreases in the concentration of ascorbic acid; in fact, the maintenance of vitamin C in the frozen product facilitated the preservation of other antioxidants and nutritional characteristics such as vitamin E and polyphenols. The conclusion of the research was that freezing does not modify the nutritional value of Caldwell's lacto fermented vegetables.
• There were no discernable differences in taste, texture, color, or aroma compared to products that had not been previously frozen. According to a panel of testers (and numerous satisfied customers), freezing does not alter the organoleptic properties of the products.

Your products arrived partly frozen. Is it safe to refreeze them?

Yes. Unlike many other products, laboratory tests have shown that Caldwell's lacto fermented vegetables can be safely refrozen after thawing. Refreezing does not alter the nutritional properties of the products. Nor does it change their taste, texture or color.

What impact does freezing have on the beneficial bacteria?

Freezing puts the lactic acid bacteria in a state of suspension. They are dormant at such a low temperature, but come back to life when the product is defrosted, and we have not seen any reduction in bacteria counts in defrosted products.

How long will the garlic flowers last in the refrigerator?

They'll be good in the refrigerator for about a month after opening.