Asked July 06, 2015, 3:03 PM EDT
I pickled asparagus two years ago and just found a few jars. They have lavender purple spots on some stems. When I rubbed them, they smeared around almost like they were powdery or chalky. I don't think I used a pink salt, and there is no pink sediment. What caused this? Is it edible?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
What you are probably seeing are rutin crystals. They often occur in canned asparagus and are harmless. In regular canned asparagus they are usually yellow but when you pickle them, the acid in the vinegar turns them gray and sometimes pinkish. They will dissolve when heated.
If you used an approved pickled asparagus recipe, processed them and the asparagus are not soft and slimy or show other signs of spoilage they they will be safe to eat.
Thanks for using Ask an Expert
Nellie Oehler
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 06, 2015, 6:43 PM EDT
