Red Cinnamon Pickles
Red Cinnamon Pickles offer a vibrant, sweet, and spicy flavor profile with the warmth of cinnamon and the boldness of red hot candies. These unique pickles are perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and colorful preserved treats, making them a striking addition to any relish tray or gift basket.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and seed cucumbers, removing seeds with a spoon.
- Cut cucumbers into rings or strips.
- Soak cucumbers in 1 cup lime and 1 gallon water for 24 hours.
- Drain and wash cucumbers; soak in water for 3 hours.
- Drain cucumbers and mix with 1 cup vinegar, red food coloring, 2 tablespoons alum, and enough water to cover cucumbers.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 hours, then drain.
- Bring to a boil 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, 10 cups sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks, and red hot candies.
- Pour the boiling syrup over the cucumbers and let stand for 24 hours.
- Drain cucumbers again and save the liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and pour over the cucumbers.
- Leave the cucumbers in the syrup for 24 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers again and keep the liquid for future use.
- Place the prepared cucumbers into jars.
- Bring the liquid to a boil again and pour over the cucumbers, then seal the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose firm cucumbers and avoid overripe ones. If you're out of alum, try using a pinch of baking soda as a substitute. Ensure the cucumbers are well-drained after each soaking to prevent excess moisture. If you want a spicier flavor, consider adding a few extra red hot candies or some crushed red pepper flakes in the syrup.
Serving Suggestions
These red cinnamon pickles make a vibrant addition to any charcuterie board. Serve them alongside cheeses, meats, and crackers for a delightful contrast. They also pair wonderfully with BBQ dishes and can elevate sandwiches. For a unique twist, try them as a topping on burgers or in salads, such as a Sweet And Sour Amish Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pickles in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. To maintain the crunchiness, avoid soaking them in the syrup for too long after opening, and always use a clean utensil to remove pickles.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cinnamon Pickles contains roughly 548 calories, with 5g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. 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 the recipe calls for standard cucumbers, you can use pickling cucumbers for a crunchier texture. Just ensure they are fresh and firm to achieve the best results. English cucumbers can also be used, but they may yield a softer pickle.
How long do these pickles last once opened?
How long do these pickles last once opened?
Is it necessary to use food coloring in this recipe?
While the red food coloring gives the pickles their vibrant appearance, it is not essential for flavor. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the food coloring, and the pickles will still be delicious, albeit less visually striking.
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).