Cucumber Sweet Pickles
Crisp and tangy sweet pickles with a vibrant green color, perfect for snacking or adding a zesty touch to sandwiches, appealing to pickle lovers and those seeking homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover whole cucumbers with a brine water made of 4 cups salt and soak for 7 days.
- Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly.
- Cut the cucumbers and place them in a churn with 2 large boxes of alum and enough water to cover for 2 days.
- Remove from alum water and drain the cucumbers.
- Put the cucumbers back into the churn with vinegar and let stand for 1 day.
- Drain the vinegar and place the cucumbers back into the churn.
- Layer the cucumbers with sugar and 10 pounds of sugar in the churn.
- Midway up the churn, place a cloth with a bag containing 1 box of pickling spice.
- Let the mixture stand for a week or more, mixing by hand every day.
- Finally, put the pickles into jars and add a few drops of green food coloring to enhance their appearance.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh, firm cucumbers and adjust sugar to taste, especially if you prefer less sweetness. If you don't have pickling spice, a mix of mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaves can work as a substitute. Ensure cucumbers are fully submerged in the brine to avoid spoilage. Additionally, consider using white vinegar for a sharper taste.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make a delightful addition to sandwiches, burgers, or served alongside cheese and charcuterie boards. They pair beautifully with Delicious Sauerkraut And Beer for a unique flavor experience. For a refreshing twist, try them in salads or as a garnish in cocktails.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, consider processing the jars in a boiling water bath for longer shelf life.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Sweet Pickles contains roughly 447 calories, with 3g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1860mg per serving (81% 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 these pickles last once jarred?
If properly jarred and sealed, these sweet pickles can last for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks to maintain their crispness and flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar based on your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that the sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps preserve the pickles, so reducing too much may affect the final texture.
Is it necessary to use alum in the pickling process?
While alum helps maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers, it is not strictly necessary. If you prefer to avoid it, you can skip that step, but the texture may be softer. Experiment to find your desired balance of 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).