Sweet Lime Pickles

Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Crunchy, tangy sweet lime pickles with a hint of citrus and sweet sugar, perfect for summer picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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Ingredients

  • 7 lb. cucumbers
  • 2 gal. water
  • 2 c. pickling lime
  • 5 lb. sugar
  • 2 qt. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Pour water and pickling lime over cucumbers and let stand 24 hours.
  2. Drain the lime water and rinse cucumbers in cold water until clear, then cover with ice water and let stand 3 hours.
  3. Drain the cucumbers.
  4. Add sugar, vinegar and salt to the cucumbers.
  5. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours.
  6. Cook the mixture for 35 minutes.
  7. Pack the hot pickles into jars and seal.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, choose firm, unblemished cucumbers and soak them in the lime solution for the full 24 hours to ensure crispness. If you prefer a less tangy flavor, adjust the vinegar quantity or substitute with apple cider vinegar. Adding a pinch of turmeric can enhance the color and flavor of the pickles. This recipe is similar to Bread And Butter Pickles(From Kerr) in its sweet profile.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet lime pickles are an excellent accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a tangy snack on their own. Serve alongside dishes like Layered Banana Split Dessert for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store the sweet lime pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last for several months. To enjoy them warm, heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, but avoid boiling to preserve their texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Lime Pickles contains roughly 231 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

231 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 0.4g 1% DV
Carbs 51.5g 19% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 19.1g 38% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 479.1mg 21% DV
Potassium 489.6mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.2mcg
Vitamin C 46.3mg 51% DV
Calcium 80.7mg 6% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 traditional pickling cucumbers work best due to their firmness, you can experiment with varieties like English cucumbers. Just be mindful that softer cucumbers may yield a different texture in the final product.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?

To modify the sweetness, reduce the sugar amount gradually until you reach your desired flavor. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cloves to introduce new dimensions to the sweetness without relying solely on sugar.

Is it necessary to seal the jars after packing?

Yes, sealing the jars is crucial for preserving the pickles. Ensure that you use sterilized jars and lids to prevent contamination. Process them in a boiling water bath if you plan to store them at room temperature for an extended period.

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).

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