Sweet Pickle Sticks
Sweet Pickle Sticks offer a delightful combination of crunchy cucumbers infused with a sweet and tangy pickle flavor. The spices, including turmeric and celery seed, add depth and warmth, making them perfect as a snack, side dish, or condiment for sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and cut them into sticks.
- Cover the cucumber sticks with boiling water and let stand for 4 to 5 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers and pack them solidly into pint jars.
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a pan, bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture over the cucumbers, filling within 1/2 inch of the top of the jars.
- Put on lids and rings onto the jars.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pickling mixture. If you can't find celery seed, dill seed can be a good substitute. Ensure the cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best texture. To reduce sugar, you can experiment with sweetener alternatives, but this may affect the final flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet pickle sticks are a fantastic accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards. They pair beautifully with Spareribs In A Bag for a delightful summer cookout. You can also chop them and add to potato salads or use them as a tangy garnish on salads and grilled dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator. To enjoy the pickles at their best, consume them within a few weeks after opening. There’s no need to reheat; they are delicious straight from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Pickle Sticks contains roughly 261 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1786mg 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 the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
While you can eat the sweet pickle sticks right after processing, they taste best after sitting for at least 2-4 weeks. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pickling cucumbers or even Kirby cucumbers, which are popular for canning due to their crunchiness. Just ensure they are firm and fresh to achieve the best texture in your pickles.
What can I do if I don't have pint jars?
If pint jars aren’t available, you can use quart jars but adjust the processing time accordingly. Just remember that smaller jars will cool down faster, so ensure they are sealed properly before storage.
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).