How much vinegar and how much water? It is the ratio of vinegar to water that is important and determines how long they can store in the fridge.

Since you added onions it is especially important to have much more vinegar than water to store for any longer than a few days. And since you apparently didn't boil the brine there is nothing to kill the bacteria. Bacteria continue to grow in the fridge.

Why not check out some of the many approved recipes for making safe pickles?

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: NCHFP - Pickles

Thanks for the advice. It was a ratio of 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup vinegar. It is just a receipe used for pickle salads. I can give them away to friends in the next couple days.
I will be canning later when I have enough time.

Helen

Dave,
Also, thanks for the link to pickles. I think I will try the Bread and Butter pickles. I have had trouble with Dill Pickles, they always come out soft not crisp.
Helen

Please don't gift these. The minimum safe ratio of vinegar to water is 1:1 - a minimum of 1 cup of vinegar for every cup of water. You have far, far too little vinegar in these.

It is your choice and your risk to take eating these but it honestly isn't fair to gift them to others. Just think how you'd feel if someone got sick. When it comes to gifting homemade foods it is best to stick with tested and approved recipes that are known to be safe.

Dave

Dave, your right. I don't want to get anyone sick. I've got plenty of pickles growing on the vines so I'll toss these out now.
Helen