Spiced Apple Pickles
Spiced Apple Pickles are sweet, tangy, and aromatic, featuring cinnamon and red hot candies. Perfect for those who enjoy unique, flavorful pickles with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, de-seed, and slice cucumbers.
- Soak the cucumber slices in lime and enough water to cover for 24 hours.
- Rinse the cucumber slices well.
- Mix together 1 cup vinegar, alum, and red food coloring.
- Cover with water and simmer for 2 hours. Drain.
- Mix together 2 cups vinegar, 4 cups water, sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring this mixture to a boil every day for 3 days.
- On the third day, pack the pickles into jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant color, consider using a natural red dye or reducing the amount of red food coloring. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pickling spices instead of the cinnamon sticks and candies, though the flavor will vary. Make sure to rinse the cucumber slices thoroughly after soaking to avoid excessive lime flavor in the final product.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced apple pickles make a delightful addition to a charcuterie board or can be served alongside sandwiches. They also pair beautifully with Edra'S Apple Pie for a unique dessert option. For a refreshing snack, try them with Marinated Pretzels or as a tangy topping on salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced apple pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor and texture. If you want to preserve them longer, consider canning them using a water bath method to ensure they remain shelf-stable.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Apple Pickles contains roughly 1283 calories, with 25g protein, 263g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1155mg per serving (50% 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 different fruits instead of cucumbers?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or pears, but you'll need to adjust the soaking time as different fruits have different textures and water content. Just ensure that the fruit can hold up during the pickling process.
How long will the pickles last once opened?
Once opened, the spiced apple pickles can last for several weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored. Make sure the pickles are fully submerged in the liquid to maintain their flavor and crispness.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also acts as a preservative in pickling. A reduction may affect the shelf life and overall flavor balance of the pickles.
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).