Sweet Zucchini Red Pickle
Sweet Zucchini Red Pickle offers a vibrant, tangy flavor with a hint of cinnamon and red food coloring, perfect for those who enjoy bold, homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add pickling lime and 8 1/2 quarts of cold water to the peeled, cubed zucchini.
- Let stand for 24 hours.
- Pour off the water.
- Rinse the zucchini, then soak for 3 more hours in plain water.
- Rinse very well and drain.
- Mix 1 cup vinegar, alum, and red food coloring in a large pan.
- Add the zucchini and enough plain water to cover.
- Simmer for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, mix 2 cups vinegar, 3 cups plain water, red hots, and 9 cups sugar and bring to a boil.
- Drain the first mixture off and pour this second mixture over the zucchini.
- Every day for 3 days, drain and bring the liquid to a boil, then pour it back over the zucchini.
- On the second day, add 1 more cup vinegar and 2 more cups sugar to the liquid.
- On the third day, bring the liquid to a boil, heat the zucchini, and pack into jars.
- Pour the boiling liquid over the zucchini and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter pickle, consider adding more sugar or adjusting the vinegar to your taste preference. If you want a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the boiling mixture. Be sure to follow the soaking times carefully for optimal texture and flavor absorption. If fresh zucchini isn't available, frozen, diced zucchini can be used, but the texture may differ slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Zucchini Red Pickle pairs beautifully with sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy side to grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed on cheese platters or as part of a charcuterie board. Consider serving alongside the Fruit Salad Lush for a refreshing dessert contrast after a rich meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Sweet Zucchini Red Pickle in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a month for best quality. To reheat, simply warm the pickles in a saucepan over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld once again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Zucchini Red Pickle contains roughly 727 calories, with 12g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 yellow zucchini instead of green?
Yes, yellow zucchini can be used as a substitute for green zucchini in this pickle recipe. The flavor will be similar, but the color of the final product may differ slightly. It will still provide a delicious and colorful addition to your pickling repertoire.
How long can these pickles be stored?
When properly sealed in sterilized jars, Sweet Zucchini Red Pickles can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a month for the best flavor and texture.
What can I do with leftover pickling liquid?
Leftover pickling liquid can be used to marinate other vegetables or as a tangy dressing for salads. You can also use it to flavor sauces or as a base for a vinaigrette. Just be sure to taste it first, as the flavor will be concentrated.
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).