Sweet Icicle Pickles
Sweet Icicle Pickles are crisp, sweet, and tangy pickles with a delightful spiced flavor, perfect for relish trays or holiday gifts, appealing to pickle lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cucumber strips in a stone jar or stainless steel container.
- Add salt to boiling water and pour over the cucumbers.
- Cover with a plate and fill a quart jar with water to hold the plate under the brine.
- Cover with cloth and let stand in a cool place for 1 week.
- Remove scum daily during the standing period.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of turmeric or some sliced onions to the brine. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the amount to suit your taste, but be aware that this may affect the pickling process. Always ensure your cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best crunch. Using a mix of smaller and larger cucumbers can provide a more interesting texture in your pickles.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Icicle Pickles are a delightful accompaniment to sandwiches or as a tangy addition to a cheese platter. They pair beautifully with Cooked Slaw or can be served alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast. Try them in salads or as a topping for burgers to add a sweet and sour crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Sweet Icicle Pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for several months due to the high vinegar content. If you have leftovers, ensure they are fully submerged in the brine to maintain their crispness. Do not reheat pickles, as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Icicle Pickles contains roughly 504 calories, with 12g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (212% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1806mg per serving (79% 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 types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of cucumbers, but pickling cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture. If you use larger varieties, slice them into smaller pieces to ensure they absorb the brine well. Just make sure they are fresh and firm for the best results.
How long do the pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
The pickles should sit in the brine for at least one week to develop their flavor fully. During this time, it's important to remove any scum that forms on the surface to keep the pickles fresh and tasty. After a week, they will be ready to enjoy, but the flavor will continue to improve over time.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet pickle, you can reduce the sugar amount to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that the sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps in the pickling process. Experimenting with different sugar substitutes may also yield interesting results.
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).