Fourteen Day Sweet Pickles
Sweet and tangy homemade pickles with a distinctive flavor, perfect for enjoying on sandwiches or as a snack, appealing to those who love traditional preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups of canning salt with 1 gallon of water and stir well.
- Slice cucumbers, pack them in jars, and pour the salt water over the cucumbers. Soak for 7 days.
- Pour off the salt water, remove pickles from jars, and rinse twice.
- On the eighth day, return the pickles to the jars.
- Pour boiling water to cover the pickles.
- Soak for 24 hours, then pour off the water.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of alum with 1 gallon of water and stir well.
- Pour the alum solution over the pickles in jars.
- The next day, pour off the alum water.
- Remove the pickles from jars and rinse well.
- Return the pickles to jars, and prepare syrup on the 10th day.
- To make syrup, combine 7 cups of sugar, 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of pickling spice in cheesecloth and boil.
- Pour the hot syrup over the pickles in jars.
- Reboil the syrup and pour it over the pickles again in the jars.
- Repeat this process on the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crisper pickle, consider using smaller cucumbers and slicing them thinner. If you don't have alum, you can substitute it with a bit of calcium chloride, which helps maintain crunchiness. Ensure jars are sterilized to avoid spoilage, and use fresh pickling spices for enhanced flavor. Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet pickle.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles are perfect as a tangy snack or a side condiment for sandwiches and burgers. They pair beautifully with Grandma Belle's Raspberry Tarts for dessert. Consider serving them alongside charcuterie boards or as a topping for salads to elevate dishes. They can also add a delightful crunch to summer salads or picnic spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sweet pickles in a cool, dark place, ideally in a refrigerator once opened. They can last for several months if sealed properly. If you want to enjoy them after opening, keep them submerged in syrup to maintain freshness. Do not reheat; serve cold or at room temperature directly from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fourteen Day Sweet Pickles contains roughly 93 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 opened?
Once opened, these sweet pickles can last for several months when stored in the refrigerator. Ensure they are fully submerged in syrup to preserve their flavor and texture. If they develop an off smell or appearance, it's best to discard them.
Can I use other vegetables instead of cucumbers?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini or green beans, but keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in soaking times and syrup flavors to achieve the desired taste and texture.
Is it possible to make these pickles less sweet?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar in the syrup recipe. Start with half the amount and adjust according to your taste preference. Remember, sweetness can balance the acidity, so make sure to taste as you go.
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).