Question about pickling pike

[dustybaker]

I recently tried pickling some northern for the first time and realize I forgot a step I noticed in some other recipes I've seen online...I didnt freeze the fish for 72 hours before begining the process. I guess I just figured if it disenegrates the bones it would kill any parasites or worms or whatever else. Any thoughts on whether or not its safe to eat? The first batch is from Devils Lake and the other from Pelican by Buffalo. I was planning on giving a few jars to some buddies and don't want to give them a tapeworm..although a few of them could probably use it! Please help asap!

[otterman91105]

Wish i had an anwser for you but i always freeze it first. I wouldn't think it would be a big deal but not sure.

[eyeguy 54]

found this online

Caution: the broad fish tapeworm

The broad fish tapeworm infection can be contracted by humans from eating raw or undercooked species of fish found in the Great Lakes area.

Those who wish to prepare raw pickled fish should first freeze the fish at 0° F for 48 hours.

The larvae of the broad fish tapeworm pass through smaller fish until they lodge as hatched small worms in the flesh of large carnivorous species of fish, like northern pike, walleye pike, sand pike, burbot, and yellow perch. This worm, if eaten by humans in its infective stage, can attach to the small intestine and grow to lengths of 10 to 30 feet.

The infective worms are destroyed readily either by cooking or freezing. Two recent outbreaks of this tapeworm in Minnesota were related to eating uncooked pickled pike. Those who wish to prepare raw pickled fish should first freeze the fish at 0° F for 48 hours.

[lispeej]

I did that too my first time pickling. Depending on how far you are into your process, you are probably going to be ok if you threw it into the freezer now. Better to be safe than sorry. Mine came out ok afterwards.

[dustybaker]

Thanks for the timely response guys. The first batch is already done and 1 jar has been eaten! The second batch is in day 1 in the jars(already has 2 days in salt water and a day in vinegar and is now in brine) Would it be fine just to freeze the finished product in the jars or will it destroy the flavor? The jars wont break if I freeze it will they?

[lispeej]

Thanks for the timely response guys. The first batch is already done and 1 jar has been eaten! The second batch is in day 1 in the jars(already has 2 days in salt water and a day in vinegar and is now in brine) Would it be fine just to freeze the finished product in the jars or will it destroy the flavor? The jars wont break if I freeze it will they?

I'm not so sure about the jars breaking on you, but we used to freeze our finished sweet pickle every winter and thaw them before eating, they were fine. I know I am not comparing apples to apples, but I would imagine your pike to be fine.

[JONOV]

The Jars will only break if they're full to the point that the water/picking can't expand within the glass.

[MNmikew]

Wow! Thanks for this. I was going to start pickling some norderns tonight and they have not been froze yet! Into the freezer, will try it next week.

[otterman91105]

Yea if you are thinking about doing some and have not started freeze first then you don't have to worry. Just canned two jars myself today.

[SkunkedAgain]

How many guys are walking around with 30ft tapeworms living in their intestines? Freeze your northerns!

[eyeguy 54]

lol

[otterman91105]

Yea no thanks to the tapeworm.

[OnAFly]

I hear it's a great way to lose weight

[SkunkedAgain]

It makes your grocery bill go up. Kind of like the old smoking ads....you're eating for two now!

[Archerysniper]

I hear it's a great way to lose weight

HUMMM maybe that's why I stay so skinny

[LABS4ME]

They used to sell them at the turn of the last century as a way of weight loss... crazy! It says no danger!

Good Luck!

Ken

[Stan7600]

Labs, too funny, I had to print it. Stan C.