WHEAT PICKLING TUB
Metal tub with slit holes around sides.
Cylindrical shape with flat base, diameter of top larger than diameter of bottom.
Metal handle attached by hooks to tub.
Stained in a greenish copper tinge.
Used by McCluney family
Details
Details
Wheat was pickled in copper sulphate (a blue/green liquid). Used before dusting; to keep down smut.
'When the disease smut was so bad in the 1860s and 70s the seed had to be pickled. It was poured into the pickler which was then hoisted by a block and tackle over a vat of copper solution and dipped. The pickler was then hoisted out again and allowed to drain.'(from Newcastle Gaol Museum files, information accompanying donation)
After dipping and draining, the wheat would have been spread out to dry fairly quickly. Otherwise the wheat would start to germinate. The purpose of the process was to apply a coat of chemical to the seed. Modern processes and chemicals continue to treat wheat grains today for the same preventative action.
