Icicle Pickles
Icicle Pickles are crisp, tangy cucumbers infused with a blend of spices, vinegar, sugar, and alum, resulting in a sweet and sour flavor profile. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade preserved vegetables, they add a delightful crunch and zest to any meal or snack platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour salt over cucumbers.
- Bring 1 gallon of water to boil; pour over cucumbers.
- Stir cucumbers daily for 7 days.
- Remove cucumbers and wash.
- Put cucumbers back into jar and pour alum over them.
- Bring 1 gallon of water to boil and pour over cucumbers and alum. Remove from alum water the next day.
- On the first day, put on 1/2 gallon vinegar, 8 pints sugar, and spices.
- On the second day, pour off the syrup and bring it to boiling point.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers.
- On the third day, repeat pouring the hot syrup over the cucumbers.
- On the fourth day, heat the syrup again.
- Put pickles in jars and pour the syrup over the pickles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crisper texture, choose fresh, firm cucumbers and consider adding pickling spices like dill or mustard seed for extra flavor. If you don't have alum, you can use a small amount of calcium chloride as a substitute. Adjust the sugar according to your taste—this recipe yields a sweet pickle. Make sure to stir the cucumbers regularly during the initial soaking period for even brining.
Serving Suggestions
Icicle pickles make a delightful addition to any meal and pair beautifully with sandwiches or burgers. Serve alongside a cheese platter or as a tangy topping for salads. They also complement dishes like fried chicken or barbecue, adding a sweet and sour crunch. Consider enjoying them with Honey-Graham Bread for a contrasting flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. They can last for several months if kept sealed and chilled. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply heat a small portion in a saucepan over low heat until just warmed through; avoid boiling to preserve their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Icicle Pickles contains roughly 216 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% 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 other vegetables for pickling?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or radishes. However, keep in mind that different vegetables may require adjustments in pickling time and salt concentration to achieve optimal flavor and texture.
How can I tell if my pickles are ready to eat?
Icicle pickles are typically ready after the third day of syrup pouring, but letting them sit longer enhances the flavors. Taste a pickle after the final syrup soak to determine if they meet your flavor preference before sealing them in jars.
What should I do if my pickles turn out too salty?
If your pickles are overly salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours to draw out some of the saltiness. After soaking, drain and taste before using in recipes or serving. Adjusting the salt in future batches can also help prevent this issue.
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).