Today the weather is rainy. I know that it won't last long, but my first thought was, "Hey, today would be the perfect day to pickle!" And it's true, on these cooler days we should be staying indoors and getting our preserving done; if you're into that kind of thing. I started my morning with a coffee at the fruit stand searching great pickling recipes and here is what I found.
A few guide rules first:
1)The main flavoring for dill pickles comes not from the feathery dill herb fronds we use in so much of our cooking, but rather from the dill seed. It's not something that most grocery stores carry, but we sure do. If you don't see it in our store, there is plenty in the field so just ask us to cut you some and we will be more than happy to pick some for you. Here is what it looks like.
A few guide rules first:
1)The main flavoring for dill pickles comes not from the feathery dill herb fronds we use in so much of our cooking, but rather from the dill seed. It's not something that most grocery stores carry, but we sure do. If you don't see it in our store, there is plenty in the field so just ask us to cut you some and we will be more than happy to pick some for you. Here is what it looks like.
The Brine
Brines are usually composed of equal parts water and vinegars. Some people choose to use apple cider vinegar and some white vinegar. Salt is usually added to this boiling liquid to dissolve it. The recipe I am going to show you below is for a small amount- 2 pint sized jars. Depending on how many jars you want to make, you would just double, triple etc. the proportions.
To process or not to process
These pickles can be processed in a hot water bath for 5 minutes, which makes them shelf stable for around a year. The downside is that the hot water processing will cook the cucumbers a bit and can sometimes give the pickles a softer texture. If super-crunchy pickles are your aim, skip the processing step and just keep the jars in the fridge — they'll keep refrigerated for several weeks.
The recipe
Makes 2 pint jars
What You Need
What You Need
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Paynter's own pickling cucumbers
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 teaspoons dill seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
Equipment
Chefs knife
Cutting board
2 wide-mouth pint jars with lids
Large pot, if canning
Instructions
1 1/2 pounds Paynter's own pickling cucumbers
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 teaspoons dill seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
Equipment
Chefs knife
Cutting board
2 wide-mouth pint jars with lids
Large pot, if canning
Instructions
- Prepare the jars: If you are planning to can your pickles for long-term storage, bring a large pot of water to a boil and sterilize the jars and their lids. If you are planning to make refrigerator pickles, simply washing the jars and lids is fine.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim away the blossom end of the cucumber, which contains enzymes that can lead to limp pickles. Leave the pickles whole, cut them into spears, or slice them into coins, as preferred.
- Add the spices to the jars: Divide the garlic, dill seed, and red pepper flakes (if using) between the pint jars: 2 smashed cloves, 1 teaspoon dill seed, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes per jar.
- Pack the pickles into the jars: Pack the pickles into the jars. Trim the ends if they stand more than 1/2 inch below the top of the jar. Pack them in as tightly as you can without smashing the cucumbers.
- Bring the pickling brine to a boil: Combine the vinegar, water, and salt in a small sauce pan over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil. Pour the brine over the pickles, filling each jar to within 1/2-inch of the top. You may not use all the brine.
- Remove air bubbles: Gently tap the jars against the counter a few times to remove all the air bubbles. Top off with more pickling brine if necessary.
- Tighten the lids: Place the lids over the jars and screw on the rings until tight.
- Optional — Process the pickles for longer storage: For longer storage, place the jars in a boiling pot of water. When the water comes back to a boil, set the timer for 5 minutes and remove the jars immediately. Make sure the lids pop down; if they do not, refrigerate those pickles and eat them first.
- Cool and refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature. If you processed the jars, they can be stored on the shelf. If unprocessed, store the pickles in the fridge. The pickles will improve with flavor as they age — try to wait at least 48 hours before cracking them open. Canned pickles will keep for at least a year on the shelf and for several weeks in the refrigerator once opened; refrigerator pickles will keep for several weeks.
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