Cucumbers are one of the vegetables that can be preserved very easily and without much effort. You can choose from many recipes or create your own spice mix.

Gherkins can be seasoned to your liking

Boil pickles

In addition to fresh, flawless pickled cucumbers, you need screw-top jars or swing-top jars and a wide variety of spices, such as:

  • mustard seeds
  • Dill in small bunches or chopped
  • peppercorns
  • allspice corns
  • bay leaves
  • onions
  • small chili peppers
  • coriander seeds
  • juniper
  • pieces of ginger
  • Garlic cloves

You can combine the spices according to your taste. If you like it sweet and sour, try adding honey.
The choice of vinegar is also important. White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for example, are well suited. But decide for yourself. For about 3 kg of cucumbers you need a liter of vinegar, a liter of water and, of course, salt and sugar.

  1. First scrub the pickles under running water with a vegetable brush.
  2. Make a spice mix of your choice.
  3. Prepare a vinegar broth by briefly boiling the vinegar, water, salt and sugar.
  4. Place the cucumbers upright in the sterilized jar, add some of the spice mixture and pour in the hot liquid until the cucumbers are covered.
  5. Immediately seal the jars and place in a large saucepan. Place a grid or board in the pot beforehand so that the glasses do not come into direct contact with the hot bottom.
  6. Fill the pot with enough water so that the glasses stand halfway in the water.
  7. Close the pot and cook the cucumbers at about 80 degrees for 20 minutes.
  8. Let the jars cool overnight and then store in a dark place. After about two weeks, the cucumbers can be tasted.

You can also preserve your cucumbers in the oven’s drip tray or use a preserving machine.

Important tips for pickling gherkins

  1. Combine cucumbers with other vegetables, such as pieces of carrots or peppers.
  2. Do not use iodized salt, it will soften the vegetables.
  3. Before preserving, pierce the cucumbers with a needle to prevent them from becoming hollow on the inside.
  4. Don't use overripe cucumbers, they could ferment in the jar.

Category:

Vegetable garden