Cucumber Stick Pickles
Cucumber stick pickles offer a tangy, sweet, and spicy crunch with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect as a snack, side, or condiment for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lime with 2 gallons of water and pour over cucumbers.
- Soak cucumbers for 24 hours.
- Rinse cucumbers well.
- Slice onions and bell peppers.
- Cover sliced vegetables with ice water.
- Let stand for 3 hours and then drain.
- Combine white vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pickling spice in a pot.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the drained cucumbers and let stand overnight.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Pour the hot pickles into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added crunch, consider using smaller cucumbers, like Kirby or pickling cucumbers. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with a sugar alternative, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor. You can also add spices like dill or garlic to customize the taste. Ensure everything is well-sealed to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cucumber Stick Pickles as a refreshing side dish or a tangy topping for sandwiches and burgers. They pair beautifully with Nutritious French Fries for a delightful meal. Consider serving them at barbecues or picnics, where they can add a crunchy contrast to heavier dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. For longer storage, process the jars in a water bath for shelf stability. To serve, simply pull out the desired amount and enjoy cold. There's no need to reheat these pickles as they're best enjoyed straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Stick Pickles contains roughly 647 calories, with 15g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and potassium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different types of vinegar for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. However, be aware that this may change the flavor profile of the pickles. White vinegar is traditional for a classic taste.
How long do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
After pouring the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, it's best to let them sit overnight to absorb the flavors. However, they can be eaten after just a few hours if you're in a hurry, but the flavor will deepen with time.
Can I add other vegetables to the pickling mixture?
Absolutely! Carrots, radishes, or cauliflower can be added for variety. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slightly different soaking or cooking times, so adjust as necessary for optimal crunch and flavor.
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).