Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles
Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles offer a crisp, tangy treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. These homemade pickles are ideal for summer snacking, serving alongside Southern dishes, or adding a zesty crunch to sandwiches. Their fresh lime and cucumber flavor make them a refreshing classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak clean cucumbers in water and lime mixture in crockery or enamel ware for 12 hours or overnight.
- Do not use aluminum ware. Wash cucumbers 3 times in clean water and soak in fresh ice water for 3 hours.
- Combine remaining ingredients and bring to a low boil; stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add cucumbers and soak 5 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Boil pickles in soaking liquid for 35 minutes.
- Fill sterilized quart jars with cucumber slices and pour syrup over cucumbers, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Cap each jar when filled.
- Process jars in boiling water bath for 5 minutes, ensuring water covers jars by 1 inch.
- Start processing time when jars are placed in the boiling water canner with a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep jars on high heat during processing. Label jars after processing.
- Store in a dry, dark, cool place.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best crunch. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by a cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like agave. Mixing in some fresh dill or garlic can elevate the flavor profile. Always use non-aluminum containers during the soaking process to avoid chemical reactions that can alter the pickles' taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles make a delightful addition to sandwiches and burgers, or serve them alongside BBQ dishes for a tangy contrast. They also pair beautifully with Sweet And Sour Lentils for a balanced meal. For an appetizer, present them on a charcuterie board with cheese and crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Once processed and sealed, these pickles can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. After opening, keep them refrigerated and consume within a month for optimal flavor. Reheat by warming in a pot over low heat or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack or side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles contains roughly 540 calories, with 13g protein, 129g 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 (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1036mg per serving (45% 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 types of cucumbers for this recipe?
While slicing cucumbers are ideal, you can use pickling cucumbers for a crunchier texture. English cucumbers can also work, but they may yield a softer pickle due to their higher water content. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best results.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the pickles?
To modify the heat level, you can add more or fewer mixed pickling spices according to your preference. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño into the brine during soaking.
How long do the pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
While you can start enjoying these pickles right after processing, allowing them to sit for at least two weeks enhances their flavor. This resting period lets the spices fully infuse into the cucumbers, resulting in a more flavorful pickle.
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).