What is Pickling Lime?

Pickling Lime is food-grade calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), also called "cal" in Spanish or "slaked lime." It is a traditional culinary ingredient used in food preparation, not an herbal botanical.

Culinary uses

Pickling lime is best known for two traditional kitchen uses: nixtamalization, the process of treating dried corn to make masa and hominy, and pickling, where it firms and crisps vegetables before brining. It is the same "cal" used throughout Latin American cooking.

Pickling Lime: sizes

Food-grade pickling lime is sold by weight in 1 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz sizes.

Storage

Store pickling lime in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.

Pickling Lime at a glance

Chemical name

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

Also known as

Cal, slaked lime

Grade

Food-grade

Common uses

Nixtamalization, pickling

Sizes

1 oz to 8 oz