Brine Question

[jtilk]

So I was doing a little research on the internet the other day about brines and just kinda taking in a consensus as to what each one includes aside from just water, sugar and salt. I know most of the ingredients included in these are to add flavor... BUT does anyone know what the purpose is for adding olive or vegtable oil?? Most dont call but for a 1/4-1/2 C but I have not clue as to what purpose this serves.

[CypertJ]

I grew a bunch of jalapenos several years back and decided to pickle them. I used a couple different recipes and I noticed the same thing, some called for oil and some didn't. In the jars that had oil, it just solidified at the top of the liquid. I was thinking that it might have been an old time way of sealing the from contact with any air.
It may serve a similar purpose in a brine.

Or not, just a guess

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[FR8 Train]

Good question, I've wondered the same. I always assumed it was because some spices are more soluble in oil and maybe it helped the chicken accept them more readily. That is just a guess though.

[BluDawg]

Marinates have oil brines don't, fat carries flavor.

[jtilk]

Marinates have oil brines don't, fat carries flavor.

Even if the ratio is a 1/4-1/2 cup to a gallon of water, it's considered a marinate?

[Txdragon]

Marinates have oil brines don't, fat carries flavor.

Even if the ratio is a 1/4-1/2 cup to a gallon of water, it's considered a marinate?

It's a catch-22, but yeah

[dub']

An oil slick on a brine? Sounds like the perpetuation of a bad idea to me.

dub(they don't mix ya know)

[RWBTEX]

Prefer to keep it simple to bring out the natural flavors of the meat imo. Rubs, sauces. brines. marinades ect should accentuate and compliment the meat not over power it.

[jtilk]

Prefer to keep it simple to bring out the natural flavors of the meat imo. Rubs, sauces. brines. marinades ect should accentuate and compliment the meat not over power it.

Cant argue that one bit. Just wondering if it truely had a purpose in a "brine"... Never tried one with oil myself, just noticed a few recipes online that included it for whatever reason.