why make this recipe
Sweet pickles bring a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to any meal. They are perfect for sandwiches, picnics, or simply enjoying straight from the jar. Making sweet pickles at home allows you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a bountiful cucumber harvest!
how to make Sweet Pickle Recipe
Ingredients :
- 7 pounds medium-size pickling cucumbers
- 1 cup pickling lime
- 2 gallons water
- 8 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 8 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon pickling and canning salt
- 1 tablespoon mixed pickling spice
Directions :
- Wash 7 pounds of medium-size pickling cucumbers thoroughly.
- Slice the cucumbers as desired (you can make rounds, spears, or leave them whole).
- In a large container, dissolve 1 cup of pickling lime in 2 gallons of water.
- Soak the sliced cucumbers in the lime water for 24 hours.
- After soaking, rinse the cucumbers well to remove all lime.
- Soak the cucumbers in fresh water for 3 hours. Change the water every hour.
- In a large pot, combine 8 cups of white vinegar, 8 cups of granulated white sugar, 1 tablespoon of pickling and canning salt, and 1 tablespoon of mixed pickling spice. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the cucumbers to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
- While the cucumbers are simmering, sterilize 10 pint-sized glass jars, lids, and bands.
- Pack the hot cucumbers into the hot, sterilized jars.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles with a clean utensil and adjust the headspace if needed.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars and let them cool on a towel.
- After 24 hours, check the seals. If the lid doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed properly.
how to serve Sweet Pickles
Sweet pickles can be served in many ways. They are great as a side to barbecued meats or as a topping on sandwiches and burgers. You can also chop them into smaller pieces and add them to potato salads or relish trays.
how to store Sweet Pickles
Store your sealed jars of sweet pickles in a cool, dark place. Unsealed jars can be refrigerated and used immediately. Once opened, keep the pickles in the fridge for freshness.
tips to make Sweet Pickle Recipe
- Adjust the sugar amount if you want sweeter or less sweet pickles.
- Experiment with different spices to find your perfect flavor.
- Always make sure jars are clean and sterilized to prevent spoilage.
variation (if any)
You can add additional spices like garlic cloves or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Some people also like to include a bit of dill for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. How long do sweet pickles last?
Properly sealed and stored sweet pickles can last for up to one year.
2. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
While pickling cucumbers are preferred for their firm texture, you can use regular cucumbers if pickling varieties are unavailable. However, the texture may be softer.
3. What can I do if my pickles don’t seal properly?
If the jars don’t seal, refrigerate them and use the pickles within a few weeks. You can also try reprocessing the jars with new lids.
