Ice Pickles-Spice
Spicy ice pickles offer a tangy, sweet, and spicy crunch perfect for summer snacking or as a flavorful side, appealing to pickle lovers and condiment enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt to boiling water and pour over sliced cucumbers.
- Let stand 4 days, then drain and wash cucumber slices.
- Pour 2 quarts boiling water over cucumbers and let stand 24 hours.
- Drain cucumbers, add alum to 2 quarts boiling water, and pour over cucumbers.
- Let stand 24 hours, then drain.
- Boil together the dark vinegar, sugar, and pickling spice to make syrup.
- Pour hot syrup over cucumbers and repeat the process for 4 days.
- Pack pickles in sterilized jars and pour hot syrup on top, then seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure a crunchy texture. If you prefer less saltiness, reduce the salt in the initial brine or soak the cucumbers for a shorter duration. You can experiment with different pickling spices or even add garlic or dill for extra flavor. Always sterilize your jars properly to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
Ice pickles make a delightful accompaniment to sandwiches or burgers, adding a tangy crunch. They also pair beautifully with a Christmas Tree Vegetable Tray for a festive gathering. Serve them alongside savory dishes for a refreshing contrast, or as a snack on their own.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pickles in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks for optimal freshness. If you have leftovers, ensure the cucumbers are submerged in syrup to maintain their flavor and crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ice Pickles-Spice contains roughly 830 calories, with 25g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 873mg per serving (38% 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 ice pickles last once opened?
Once opened, ice pickles can last in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks. Ensure they are kept submerged in syrup to maintain their flavor and texture. Always use clean utensils when handling to prolong their shelf life.
Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or radishes. Adjust the pickling time based on the vegetable's firmness, as softer vegetables may require less time to pickle properly.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet pickle. However, keep in mind that sugar helps balance the acidity and preserve the pickles, so adjusting it may alter the final 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).