Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles(Fast And Easy Pickles, Good Too)
Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles offer a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile with vibrant red coloring, perfect for summer picnics and Southern-style gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the pickling brine by heating the vinegar, sugar, salt, pickling spice, cider vinegar, alum, red food coloring, and cinnamon sticks until hot.
- While the syrup heats, slice the cucumbers crosswise and soak them in Mrs. Wages pickling lime mixed with water for the recommended time.
- Drain the lime solution from the cucumbers and rinse thoroughly.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let set overnight.
- The next day, drain the syrup from the cucumbers.
- Reheat the syrup and pour it over the cucumbers again, keeping the lid on tightly to retain heat.
- Allow the pickles to set and develop flavor before refrigerating or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, use firm cucumbers and adjust the pickling spice to your personal taste. If you don't have Mrs. Wages pickling lime, try using kosher salt as an alternative, but the texture may vary. Additionally, consider adding dill or garlic for an extra flavor kick. This method is similar to that used in Easy Pickled Peaches, so feel free to explore other pickling techniques.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles make a refreshing side dish for barbecues or picnics. Serve them alongside sandwiches or burgers, or chop them up to add a tangy crunch to salads. They pair beautifully with Mulled Spiced Cider Punch for a delightful flavor contrast during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. They can last several weeks when properly stored. If you're canning them, ensure the jars are sterilized and sealed well to extend their shelf life. To enjoy them cold, simply take them out of the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old South Cucumber Lime Pickles(Fast And Easy Pickles, Good Too) contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, while slicing cucumbers are typically used, you can experiment with varieties like Persian or Kirby cucumbers for different textures and flavors. Just ensure they are firm for best results.
How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
After preparing and soaking the cucumbers, they should sit for at least 24 hours to develop flavor. However, the longer they sit, the more pronounced the flavor will be, so consider letting them sit for a few days before enjoying.
What can I do if I find the pickles too sweet?
If you find the pickles too sweet, you can adjust the sugar in the recipe next time or balance the sweetness with additional vinegar. Adding a pinch more salt can also help to counteract sweetness without compromising the overall flavor.
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).