Bertha'S Sweet Pickle Sticks
Sweet pickle sticks with a tangy, sugary flavor profile, featuring cucumber crunch and subtle spice. Perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a savory side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select fresh firm cucumbers about 4 1/2 inches long.
- Wash and cut into sticks.
- Pour boiling water over the cucumber sticks and let stand overnight. Next day, drain.
- Pack the cucumber sticks solidly into clean jars.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, turmeric, and mustard in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers in the jars.
- Place the cap on each jar and screw on the band tightly.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use firm, fresh cucumbers to ensure a crunchy texture in your pickle sticks. If you want to adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. Celery seed can be replaced with dill for a different flavor profile, and mustard seeds can be used for added texture. Make sure to sterilize jars properly to preserve the pickles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bertha's Sweet Pickle Sticks as a tangy side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. They pair beautifully with American recipes like BBQ pulled pork or burgers. For a fun twist, chop them up and mix into tuna salad or use as a garnish in cocktails like Bloody Marys. These pickles also make a great addition to a charcuterie board.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume the pickles within a month. If you have leftovers after opening, they can easily be enjoyed cold straight from the jar or added to sandwiches and salads for a crunchy kick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bertha'S Sweet Pickle Sticks contains roughly 349 calories, with 8g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1034mg per serving (45% 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
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
While this recipe is best with medium-sized cucumbers, you can use pickling cucumbers or even smaller varieties like kirby cucumbers for a crunchier texture. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best results in pickling.
How long do these pickles last once opened?
Once opened, Bertha's Sweet Pickle Sticks should be consumed within one month when stored in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as off smells or changes in color.
Can I make these pickles spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the pickling liquid before pouring it over the cucumbers. This will infuse the sweet pickles with a delightful spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
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).