Red Or Green Cucumber Sticks
Crisp, colorful cucumber sticks with tangy pickling spices, perfect as a snack or side dish. Ideal for summer gatherings and those who enjoy zesty, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and cut seeds out of cucumbers; cut into lengthwise strips.
- Soak the cucumber strips in 2 gallons of water with 2 cups of pickling lime for 1 day.
- Rinse cucumbers thoroughly to remove lime.
- Prepare a pickling solution by combining white vinegar, distilled water, sugar, pickling spice, salt, and celery seed.
- Bring the pickling solution to a boil.
- Pack the cucumber strips into sterilized jars and pour hot pickling solution over them.
- Add red or green food coloring as desired.
- Seal jars and process in boiling water bath for recommended time to ensure preservation.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, use fresh, firm cucumbers and ensure they are soaked adequately in the pickling lime solution. You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the pickling solution to your taste. Make sure to sterilize your jars properly to avoid any contamination.
Serving Suggestions
These pickled cucumber sticks make an excellent snack on their own or can be served as a tangy side alongside sandwiches or barbecue dishes. They also pair beautifully with vegan recipes, adding a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. Try them in a charcuterie board for a colorful and tasty addition.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. If you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed cold straight from the jar or added to sandwiches and salads for an extra crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Or Green Cucumber Sticks contains roughly 565 calories, with 11g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1855mg per serving (81% 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 smaller cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, smaller cucumbers can also be used, but they may require a shorter soaking time in the pickling lime. Make sure to choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best results.
How long do these pickled cucumbers last?
When properly canned and sealed, these pickled cucumbers can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-4 weeks.
What can I do with leftover pickling solution?
The leftover pickling solution can be reused for quick pickling of other vegetables, such as carrots or radishes. Just ensure it's brought to a boil before use and that the new vegetables are added while the solution is still hot.
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).