Cinnamon Pickles
Cinnamon pickles offer a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with a hint of cinnamon and red hots. Perfect for those who enjoy unique, homemade preserves, they pair well with cheeses, sandwiches, or as a tangy snack. A nostalgic treat with bold, aromatic taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lime and water together and pour over cucumbers; let stand for 24 hours.
- Add enough water to cover the pickles, then wash, drain, and put in fresh, cool water for 3 hours; drain.
- Simmer alum, 1 cup vinegar, red color, and enough water to cover cucumbers for 2 hours, then drain.
- Make syrup of 3 cups vinegar, sugar, red hots, 3 cups water, salt, and cinnamon sticks; boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers.
- Pour off syrup for 4 mornings; bring the syrup to a boil and pour over cucumbers each morning.
- On the fourth morning, pack the pickles in jars, cover with boiling syrup, and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure a crunchy texture. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar in the syrup. You can also substitute the red hots with cinnamon sticks for a more traditional spice profile. Remember to let the cucumbers soak adequately in the lime solution to enhance the pickling process.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon pickles are an excellent addition to charcuterie boards and pair beautifully with savory dishes like roasted meats or grilled vegetables. They also make a delightful topping for salads or can be enjoyed as a unique snack on their own. For a refreshing drink, consider serving them alongside a Non-Alcoholic Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of cinnamon pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for several weeks. To enjoy them chilled, simply serve them straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a short while before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Pickles contains roughly 601 calories, with 6g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 cinnamon pickles last after being opened?
Once opened, cinnamon pickles can last up to 4-6 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Ensure the jar is tightly sealed to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in color or aroma, it's best to discard them.
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, while large cucumbers are preferred for their size and crunch, you can also use smaller varieties like pickling cucumbers. Just adjust the slicing size to ensure uniformity in pickling and flavor absorption.
Is it necessary to use red color in the recipe?
The red color adds visual appeal to the pickles, but it's not essential for the flavor. If you prefer a more natural look, you can omit it and still enjoy delicious cinnamon pickles with great taste.
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).