Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Sweet cucumber pickles offer a delightful combination of crisp, fresh cucumbers infused with a sweet and tangy vinegar and spice flavor. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade preserved treats, this recipe results in crunchy, flavorful pickles perfect for snacking or adding to meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the plain salt with enough water to cover cucumbers.
- Put a weight on cucumbers to keep them under water. Stir every day for 15 days.
- Remove, wash and slice the cucumbers. Soak overnight in alum water to cover.
- Rinse the cucumbers 3 times.
- Cover the cucumbers with vinegar and let set overnight. Remove the cucumbers and throw away the vinegar.
- Layer cucumbers, sugar, and spices in a crock.
- Cover the crock. In a few days, enough syrup will be made to cover the pickles.
- Put the pickles in jars. They do not need to be sealed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the spice mix. If you can't find small cucumbers, you can substitute with larger ones by cutting them into spears or slices. Ensure the cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best texture. Using a mix of white and red cider vinegar can also add complexity to the pickling liquid.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet cucumber pickles make a delightful addition to sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards. They pair beautifully with cold dishes like Cold Cucumber Salad or can be served alongside BBQ meals. For a fun twist, chop them up and mix them into a potato salad for added crunch and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months if kept sealed and refrigerated after opening. To enjoy, simply take out the desired amount and serve cold. There's no need to reheat these pickles, as they're best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Cucumber Pickles contains roughly 520 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), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1799mg per serving (78% 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 opened?
Once opened, the sweet cucumber pickles can last for about 1-2 months if stored in the refrigerator. Always use a clean utensil to avoid contamination and ensure maximum freshness.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar level to your preference. Reducing sugar will result in a less sweet pickle, so consider adding a bit of honey or a sugar substitute for added flavor without increasing calories.
What should I do if I can't find alum?
If alum is unavailable, you can skip it altogether, but the pickles may not retain their crunch as well. Alternatively, you could use a small amount of calcium chloride, which is often found in pickling products, to help maintain crispness.
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).