No Can No Seal Pickles

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Traditional no-can, no-seal pickles with a crisp texture and tangy flavor, perfect for enjoyers of homemade preserved foods and those seeking easy, no-canning methods.

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Ingredients

  • 4 c. coarse salt
  • 4 gal. whole cucumbers
  • 10 lb. sugar
  • 1 gal. vinegar
  • 2 gal. water
  • 2 (2 oz.) boxes alum
  • 1 (1 oz.) box pickling spice

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the coarse salt in water.
  2. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.
  3. Place the cucumbers in a glass, stone, or plastic container with the salt water and soak for 4 days, keeping it well covered.
  4. Remove cucumbers from the salt water and slice them.
  5. Dissolve the alum in 2 gallons of fresh water.
  6. Submerge the sliced cucumbers in the alum water and soak for 2 days.
  7. Remove the cucumbers from the alum water.
  8. Pour the vinegar into the container.
  9. Add the cucumbers to the vinegar and soak for 1 day and 1 night.
  10. Remove the cucumbers from the vinegar and rinse them.
  11. Place the pickling spice in a cloth and put it at the bottom of the container.
  12. Layer the cucumbers with sugar in the container, ending with a layer of sugar on top.
  13. Repeat layering until all cucumbers and sugar are used.
  14. Allow the sugar to make a syrup, which should cover the cucumbers within 24 hours.
  15. Optionally, add green food coloring if desired.
  16. Leave the cucumbers in the syrup until ready to eat, then remove and chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure you choose fresh, firm cucumbers for the best results. If you want to reduce the saltiness, soak the cucumbers in plain water for a few hours after the initial salt soak. You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase the sugar amount to taste.

Serving Suggestions

These pickles are perfect as a crunchy side with sandwiches or burgers, especially paired with Delicious Grilled Steak. They can also be served on a charcuterie board or as a tangy addition to salads. Enjoy them chilled for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickles in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month. If you notice any signs of spoilage or off odors, discard them immediately. For longer storage, consider canning them using a proper canning process to ensure safety and longevity.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Can No Seal Pickles contains roughly 960 calories, with 16g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (219% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

960 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.7g 31% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 214.2g 78% DV
Fiber 25.5g 91% DV
Sugar 81.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 170.6mg 7% DV
Potassium 2475mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 197.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 327.8mg 25% DV
Iron 7.7mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-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

Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different cucumber varieties like English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best pickling results. Each type may impart a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!

How long will these pickles last once made?

These pickles can last up to a month in the refrigerator if stored properly. For best quality, consume them within this timeframe, but always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Is it necessary to add food coloring?

Adding food coloring is optional and primarily for aesthetic purposes. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip this step. The pickles will still taste delicious without it, focusing on the flavors of the vinegar and spices.

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).

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