Busy Lady Pickles
Busy Lady Pickles are crisp, tangy homemade pickles infused with spices, perfect for adding flavor to sandwiches, snacks, or as a tasty side for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a gallon jar halfway with sliced cucumbers.
- Place a cloth with mixed pickling spices in the center of the jar.
- Finish filling the jar with cucumbers.
- Add salt and alum to the jar.
- Fill the jar with vinegar and cover with the lid.
- Let stand for 6 weeks.
- At the end of 6 weeks, drain off the vinegar and remove the spice bag.
- In a large pan, stir 8 cups of sugar with the cucumber slices until the sugar is dissolved and forms syrup.
- Return the cucumbers and syrup to the jar, cover, and refrigerate.
- Chilling the pickles before use will give a crisper texture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker pickle, consider using smaller cucumber varieties or even substitute with zucchini. If you prefer a less salty flavor, reduce the salt amount or try a low-sodium option. You can also experiment with different pickling spices to tailor the flavor to your taste. Ensure to use fresh cucumbers for the best crunch, and consider making a batch of Post Office Candy to enjoy as a sweet treat alongside these tangy pickles.
Serving Suggestions
These Busy Lady Pickles are perfect as a tangy snack or a refreshing side dish. They pair beautifully with sandwiches, particularly those made with hearty meats or cheeses. Consider serving them alongside Irene's Seven Layer Salad for a delightful summer meal or include them in a charcuterie board for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for several months. If you find the pickles becoming too soft, try adding a pinch of extra alum to the syrup to help maintain their crunch. Always use clean utensils when handling to avoid contamination.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Lady Pickles contains roughly 54 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% 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 vegetables for pickling?
Yes, you can pickle a variety of vegetables! Carrots, green beans, and even cauliflower work well. Just adjust the soaking time based on the vegetable's firmness, as they may require less or more time to absorb the flavors.
What type of vinegar should I use?
White vinegar is commonly used for its neutral flavor, but you can experiment with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste. Ensure the vinegar has at least 5% acidity for proper preservation.
How can I make these pickles spicier?
To add heat to your pickles, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the jar with the cucumbers. You can also look for spicy pickling spice blends to give your pickles an extra kick!
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).