Homegrown Crunchy Dill Pickles

Recipes

A bit of pickle history-

Sailing Essential: In the age of exploration, sailors including Christopher Columbus carried pickles onboard to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Global Variations: Pickles are enjoyed worldwide, but each culture has its own unique twist. In Russia, pickles are often made from tomatoes, apples, and even watermelon. Koreans have their pickled dish called kimchi made from fermented cabbage and radish.

Healthy Snack: Pickles are a healthy snack! They are low in calories, and the vinegar used in the pickling process has several health benefits, including improving digestion and enhancing the immune system.

 

Homegrown Crunchy Dill Pickles

Ingredients:

  • 3 homegrown pickling cucumbers, about 4 inches in length, uniformly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of sweet Vidalia onion, thinly sliced (any sweet onion can be a substitute)
  • 3-5 sprigs of aromatic fresh dill weed
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar for its gentle fruity tang
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 cloves of garlic, smashed for intense flavor
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of pickling salt, or kosher salt if unavailable
  • 1/4 teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance savoriness
  • 1/4 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns for a touch of mild spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of tiny yet flavor-packed whole yellow mustard seeds
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your preferred spice level)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by sterilizing a pint-sized jar. Then, tightly pack it with your evenly sliced homegrown cucumbers, slices of onion, and sprigs of dill weed. Make sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar for the pickling solution.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, garlic, and all the spices. Warm this mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer and the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
  3. Allow the brine to cool until it’s just warm. Then, pour it over the cucumber mixture in the jar, ensuring everything is well covered.
  4. Secure the lid tightly on your jar and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor development, wait at least 24 hours before enjoying your homemade crunchy dill pickles.

Using these specially cultivated, bumpy-skinned pickling cucumbers from your own garden will ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite. A pint-sized jar can perfectly hold about three 4-inch long sliced cucumbers, offering you a fresh, homegrown treat ready in a day!