> I assume that 5% vinegar means 1 part vinegar to 20 parts water ?

NO!!!!! It's vinegar that's 5% acetic acid. The amount of acid in the
"pickle" is very important. Too little and you end up with rotten pickles
at best, poisonous ones at worst.

The usual white vinegar sold in the supermarket is 5%, but some of the
flavored ones such as wine or cider vinegar may not be. Balsamic
vinegar is no good for pickling, it can be added as an ADDITIONAL
flavoring, but should not be used instead of regular vinegar.

Geoff.

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Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
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