Mississippi Strips(Sweet And Sour Pickle)
Sweet and sour pickled cucumbers with a tangy vinegar and sugar syrup, perfect for snacking or garnishing dishes, appealing to fans of crunchy, flavorful pickles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers, cut ends off, and slice lengthwise into strips.
- Remove large seeds if present.
- Use an electric slicing knife and cutting board for ease.
- Pack cucumbers firmly into jars on their side, as they will shrink after cooking.
- Add 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon mixed pickling spice and 1 teaspoon salt on top of cucumbers in each jar.
- Pour 5 1/2 cups vinegar and 5 1/2 cups sugar over the cucumbers in the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding a few dill sprigs or garlic cloves to the jars along with the cucumbers. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of mixed pickling spice. Ensure your jars are sterilized properly to avoid spoilage. This recipe can also be adapted for larger batches by adjusting the proportions of vinegar and sugar equally.
Serving Suggestions
Mississippi Strips make a delightful addition to summer picnics or barbecues. Serve them alongside sandwiches or burgers, or use them as a tangy topping for salads. They also pair beautifully with American recipes like Hot Doggities. For a refreshing snack, enjoy them straight from the jar or on a charcuterie board.
Storage & Reheating
Store the prepared Mississippi Strips in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator, where they can last for several weeks. If you want to enjoy the strips later, they can be processed in a water bath canner for longer shelf life. Avoid reheating as they're best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mississippi Strips(Sweet And Sour Pickle) contains roughly 35 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% 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 the Mississippi Strips need to sit before they're ready to eat?
For optimal flavor, let the strips sit for at least 24 hours after preparation. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the sweet and sour brine. However, for best results, waiting a week before consuming can enhance the flavors even more.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans using the same brine. Just make sure to adjust the processing time if you change the size or type of the vegetables.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While sugar is integral to achieving the sweet and sour balance, you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet pickle. Consider using alternatives like honey or agave syrup, but note that this may alter the final flavor and consistency.
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).