I’m going to let you in on a little family secret: I have a really old book for recipes from my grandma which is full of fermenting and preserving tips and helped me a lot to learn how to enjoy freshly harvested vegetables all year round! This book, filled with the wisdom of generations, is my go-to guide for preserving and fermenting fresh produce. It’s helped me keep my pantry stocked all year round with the delights of each season’s harvest. Today, I’d love to share with you a favorite gem from this book: pickled cucumbers.
Not Just a Tasty Snack: The Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Beyond their refreshing taste, cucumbers are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are low in calories yet high in essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamins K, C, potassium, and fiber. Cucumbers are also incredibly hydrating, thanks to their high water content, making them a perfect snack choice during sweltering summer months.
They are also full of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost overall health. So, each time you crunch into a pickle, remember, that you’re not just indulging in a tasty treat; you’re also nourishing your body!
The Art of Pickling: A Simple Guide to Preserving Cucumbers
Roll up your sleeves and grab your apron; it’s time to dive into pickling! Here’s a straightforward recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 3 x cucumbers (we used the “pony” variety)
- 600 ml water
- 600 ml vinegar
- 3 x tsp salt (10g per cucumber)
- 150g sugar
- Your choice of spices
- 2 tbsp peppercorns
- 3 x garlic cloves
- 3 x stems of dill
- 4 x bay leaves
Steps:
- Combine 600 ml of water and 600 ml of vinegar in a saucepan.
- Add 150g of sugar and 3 tsp of salt to the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes, then allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- While the mixture cools, slice your cucumbers and garlic cloves.
- Thoroughly clean your jars and start packing them with the cucumber slices.
- Add in your favorite spices (I love including black pepper and dill for a traditional taste).
- Pour your cooled mixture into the jars, ensuring the cucumbers are fully submerged, and seal immediately.
Pickling: A Labor of Love
The art of pickling cucumbers goes beyond just preserving them; it’s about transforming their flavor into something truly extraordinary. The beauty of pickling lies not just in the end product but in the creative process itself. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor combination that suits your palate. From classic dill pickles to adventurous spicy bread and butter pickles, the possibilities are infinite!
Pickling cucumbers also provides the joy of savoring your garden’s bounty long after the growing season has ended. Each crunch of a pickle carries with it a sense of accomplishment and the sweet, satisfying taste of your own gardening success.
Try this recipe that I learned from my grandma, I’m sure you’ll love this!
Happy growing!
