Memaw'S Fresh Fridge Pickles
Memaw's Fresh Fridge Pickles offer a crisp, tangy, sweet-sour flavor with a hint of celery seed, perfect for snacking or adding zest to sandwiches. Ideal for summer relish lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrape cucumbers with a nylon scourer or vegetable brush to remove wax.
- Bring sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed to a boil; let cool.
- Slice cucumbers, onions, and peppers.
- When the liquid is cool, pour over the cucumber mixture in a covered glass container or crock.
- Marinate in refrigerator at least 24 hours.
- Put the mixture into pint jars with tight-fitting lids.
- Store all covered jars in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the crunch of your pickles, consider using pickling cucumbers if available. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 2 cups or substitute with a natural sweetener. For added flavor, you can incorporate dill or garlic into the mixture. Ensure the cucumbers are thoroughly scrubbed to remove any wax before slicing for optimal taste.
Serving Suggestions
These fresh fridge pickles are a delightful addition to sandwiches and burgers, providing a tangy crunch. They pair beautifully with grilled meats and are excellent as a side for summer picnics. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or as part of a charcuterie board. For a unique twist, they can complement dishes like Hot Spiced Juice.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in tightly sealed pint jars in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two months when kept cold. Do not freeze, as this can alter the texture. The flavors will develop over time, so they may taste even better after a few days. Make sure to keep the jars sealed when not in use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Memaw'S Fresh Fridge Pickles contains roughly 1303 calories, with 18g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2886mg per serving (125% 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, like white wine or rice vinegar, though cider vinegar provides a distinct flavor. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly based on your choice. Make sure to maintain the same ratio to keep the brine effective.
How long do the pickles need to marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate the pickles for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. However, they can be left for up to a week for a more intense flavor. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become, so feel free to taste and adjust marination time according to your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the pickle mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for added color and crunch. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes as the cucumbers for even pickling. Experimenting with different vegetables can make your pickles even more exciting and flavorful.
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).