Old South Cucumber Pickles
Old South Cucumber Pickles offer crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for summer picnics or as a flavorful condiment for Southern dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak clean cucumbers in water and lime mixture in crockery or enamelware for 12 hours or overnight.
- Wash cucumbers 3 times in clean water.
- Soak cucumbers in fresh ice water for 3 hours.
- Drain and prepare for pickling.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use small to medium cucumbers for pickling, as they tend to have a better texture. If you can’t find pickling lime, you can use kosher salt, although it may alter the crunch slightly. Consider adding dill or garlic for extra flavor. Always ensure your jars and utensils are sterilized to keep pickles fresh. For a unique twist, try adding some sliced jalapeños for heat.
Serving Suggestions
These Old South Cucumber Pickles are perfect alongside sandwiches, burgers, or barbecue. Serve them as a crunchy side with fried chicken or on a charcuterie board. They pair beautifully with Yummy Vegetables for a refreshing twist. For a picnic, pack them with a selection of cheeses and crackers to enhance your outdoor meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jars refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for optimal flavor and crunch. To reheat, simply enjoy them cold, or toss them into a salad or sandwich for added crunch. They also make a great accompaniment to dishes like Lo-Fat Slaw.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old South Cucumber Pickles contains roughly 606 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 (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1043mg 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
How long do these pickles last once canned?
When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, these pickles can last up to a year. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for the best taste and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Can I use other vegetables for pickling?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on cucumbers, you can experiment with other vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or cauliflower. Just adjust the soaking and pickling times according to the vegetable's size and texture to achieve the best results.
What can I do if my pickles turn out too salty?
If your pickles are too salty, try soaking them in fresh water for a few hours to draw out some of the salt. You can also balance the flavor by adding a bit of sugar in your next batch. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
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).