Cinnamon Red Hot Cucumber Pickles
Cinnamon Red Hot Cucumber Pickles are vibrant, spicy-sweet preserved cucumbers infused with cinnamon and red hot candies, perfect for adding a bold, colorful touch to any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch rings.
- Soak cucumbers in lime and 1 gallon water for 24 hours.
- Wash the cucumbers; soak covered with ice water for 3 hours.
- Mix 1 cup vinegar, red food coloring, alum, and enough water to cover the cucumbers.
- Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and simmer for 2 hours; then pour off the water.
- Bring 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and red hots to a boil.
- Pour the boiling syrup over the cucumbers and let stand for 24 hours.
- Pour off the syrup and boil it again.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers in jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant color, adjust the amount of red food coloring to your preference. If you want to reduce the sugar content, try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure the cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best texture. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar if apple cider vinegar isn't available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cinnamon Red Hot Cucumber Pickles as a tangy side dish alongside grilled meats or as a unique topping for burgers and sandwiches. They also pair beautifully with Wassail(English Holiday Drink) for festive gatherings. Consider serving them with cheese platters or charcuterie boards to add a sweet and spicy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place after sealing the jars. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. For best flavor, allow the pickles to marinate for at least a week before consuming. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated gently in a saucepan over low heat to preserve their crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Red Hot Cucumber Pickles contains roughly 610 calories, with 5g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, while pickling cucumbers are ideal due to their firmness and lower moisture content, you can use other varieties like English cucumbers. Just ensure they are fresh and firm. The flavor may vary slightly, but the pickling process will still yield delicious results.
How long do these pickles last once opened?
Once opened, these pickles can last in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Make sure to use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination. The flavors will deepen over time, making them even tastier as they continue to marinate.
Can I make these pickles without sugar?
While sugar is essential for the sweet and spicy profile of these pickles, you can experiment with sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. However, the texture and taste may differ, so it’s advisable to start with a smaller quantity and adjust to your liking.
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).