Apple Ring Cucumber Pickles
Apple Ring Cucumber Pickles offer a vibrant combination of crisp cucumbers infused with a sweet, tangy, and spiced syrup. The colorful red hots and cinnamon lend a distinctive flavor and visual appeal, making these pickles a fun and flavorful addition to any snack or relish platter, ideal for those who enjoy bold, sweet, and spicy treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice, peel, and cut out the centers of the cucumbers.
- Soak the cucumbers overnight in lime water.
- Drain the cucumbers and soak them overnight in ice water; then leave in the icebox for 4 hours.
- Mix sugar, vinegar, powdered alum, salt, red hots, red food coloring, and cinnamon sticks; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Can the pickles into jars for storage.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, ensure cucumbers are fresh and firm. You can substitute lime with lemon if needed, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer your pickles less sweet. If you can't find red hots, try using cinnamon candies for a similar heat and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pickles as a tangy side dish with sandwiches or burgers, or alongside a refreshing Brazilian Salad for a vibrant meal. They also complement cheese platters and charcuterie boards beautifully. For a unique twist, try adding them to a Mother'S Vegetable Salad for an unexpected flavor kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store the canned apple ring cucumber pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate in an airtight container. They should last for several weeks in the fridge. For best flavor, consume within a month. Avoid reheating as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Ring Cucumber Pickles contains roughly 556 calories, with 14g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (220% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1824mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these pickles need to marinate?
The cucumbers should soak overnight in lime water and then in ice water. After preparing, allow them to sit in the pickling solution for at least 24 hours to fully develop their flavor and texture.
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
While standard cucumbers work well, you can experiment with Persian or Kirby cucumbers for a different crunch. Just ensure they are fresh and firm for the best results.
What can I do with leftover pickling liquid?
The leftover pickling liquid can be reused for quick pickling other vegetables like onions or carrots. Just ensure to strain any solids and refrigerate it. It can last for a couple of weeks in the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).