Black spots no problem on bottled veggies
I HAVE noticed that some small black spots have developed in bottled vegetables given to me by an enthusiast. Do you think there is something wrong with them? I hesitate to ask the person who gave them to me. – HD, Port Elizabeth.
No, I'm sure they are fine. According to a pamphlet in my files, produced many years ago by Consol Glass, tiny black spots which sometimes appear on processed mealies, cabbage and other vegetables are completely harmless. They are caused by the effect of heat on the sulphur compounds in the vegetables.
Bottled food does at times change in colour. This is because enzymes in the food are activated by oxygen, so fruit and vegetables prepared for bottling should be exposed to the air as briefly as possible. The easiest way to protect fruit is to dip it in a solution of salt or vinegar as soon as it has been peeled, and then to process it right away. Use 50ml of salt, vinegar or lemon juice to every five litres of water.
[caption id="attachment_40562" align="alignright" width="260"] BOTTLING BASICS: When bottling vegetables, opt for a natural preservative such as lemon juice or vinegar. Black spots are harmless, and are caused by the effect of heat on the sulphur compounds[/caption]
The ''correct" colour of bottled vegetables is olive green, varying from pale to dark shades. Bright green may look attractive, but unfortunately it is an indication that the wrong processing method has been used, or that undesirable chemicals have been added.
Don't ever use chemical preservatives, say writers Henriette Louw and Marion Duncan. Instead, use natural preservatives such as vinegar or lemon juice.
Storing in a dark, cool place is also important.
Thanks for your advice on our damp house. The dehumidifiers in the cupboards seem to be the way to go. My son in Hong Kong tells me there are heaters fitted into his clothing cupboards there. In the meantime, I found a product called Rubson humidity absorbers. The refill tabs fit my Damprid containers. The room no longer has that "miffy" smell.We're going one step further and plan to repaint the house with waterproof paint and apply bonding liquid to that south-facing wall. An experienced architect friend told us that drilling a few holes through the outer wall, just below floor level, would enable the moisture to evaporate – something like air vents in the old days. – PF, Walmer.
I'd hesitate to drill holes into the wall below floor level in Walmer. Wouldn't that just let water in?! I remember air vents in houses that had raised wooden floors.
When it comes to water-proofing, investigate Coprox. It combines with a masonry surface and becomes an inseparable waterproof barrier.
Regarding the reader's problems with grey stains on the glass shower door, I also tried everything until I read about mixing lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda together. Once it stops bubbling, take a soft cloth and rub it on. It works! – LH, Port Elizabeth.
I have also heard from "SD", who recommends Mr Muscle Shower Shine. After showering, you stand in the shower and spray the glass door before drying yourself and stepping out of the shower. You don't even have to use a sponge to clean the door. Sounds easy!
Our dark yellow stoep tiles have been stained by some old flower pots. We would appreciate some advice. – RW, Uitenhage.
A similar problem was solved some years ago with the help of Rick Lobb of Hydro-Chem. He recommended a scrub with a 50-50 solution of boiled linseed oil and paraffin, and it cleaned up the tiles very well.
- At Your Service, with Gwen Bisseker
