Pickling is an age-old method of preserving cucumbers by fermentation or using brine and vinegar.
Below is a simple flowchart for preparing cucumber pickles by brine fermentation method:
Selection of fresh cucumbers
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Washing and sorting
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Trimming ends and slicing if needed
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Preparation of brine solution (5–8% salt)
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Placing cucumbers in clean jars
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Pouring brine to cover cucumbers completely
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Covering jars with lids or cloth to allow fermentation
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Fermentation at room temperature for 2–4 weeks
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Checking for proper sourness and sealing jars
During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria convert sugars in cucumbers into lactic acid, which acts as a natural preservative.
This method enhances flavor, preserves texture, and extends shelf life.
Good hygiene and correct brine concentration are essential to avoid spoilage.
Match List-I with List-II
| List-I (Examples) | List-II (Type of processed foods) |
|---|---|
| (A) Pickles, jam, marmalade, squashes | (I) Functional foods |
| (B) Probiotics | (II) Formulated foods |
| (C) Frozen peas and frozen vegetables, canned fruits and vegetables | (III) Manufactured foods |
| (D) Bread, biscuits, ice cream | (IV) Preserved foods |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A ladder of fixed length \( h \) is to be placed along the wall such that it is free to move along the height of the wall.
Based upon the above information, answer the following questions:
(iii) (b) If the foot of the ladder, whose length is 5 m, is being pulled towards the wall such that the rate of decrease of distance \( y \) is \( 2 \, \text{m/s} \), then at what rate is the height on the wall \( x \) increasing when the foot of the ladder is 3 m away from the wall?