Ok, maybe not everything, but enough to fill your pantry!
Now is the perfect time to tidy the garden and get pickling. If you’ve never made pickles before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Canning pickles is an approachable project that invites creativity far beyond the predictable jars on the grocery shelf.
Pickling Basics:
Learn essential pickling techniques such as handling large ripe cucumbers, choosing proper pickling salt, selecting the right vinegar, and using non-reactive cookware. Mastering these basics makes your results consistent and delicious.
- How to use large, ripe cucumbers for pickling
- Choosing and using pickling salt
- Which vinegars work best for pickling
- Why non-reactive pots matter when pickling
Pickled Vegetables:
Vegetables adapt to pickling beautifully. Small batches are simple to manage and great for trying different flavor combinations. Popular choices include asparagus, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini relish, and skinny beans.
- Pickled asparagus—crisp, tangy, and perfect as a snack or garnish
- Pickled brussels sprouts—an unexpected, flavorful side
- Pickled carrots—sweet, spicy, or garlicky depending on your brine
- Pickled cauliflower—adds texture and color to salads or platters
- Zucchini relish—turns abundant summer squash into a savory spread
- Pickled skinny beans—crisp and vibrant for salads or snacking
Pickled Cucumbers:
Cucumbers are the classic pickling vegetable, and variations range from sweet to tangy. Try bread and butter pickles for a sweet-savory option or make pickles from ripe cucumbers when the harvest is abundant.
- Bread and butter pickles—sweet, slightly tangy, and universally loved
- Ripe cucumber pickles—use larger fruits to create sweet, soft pickles
Miscellaneous Pickles:
Pickling isn’t limited to vegetables—greens, fruits, and unusual finds like purslane or apple rings make delightful pickles and refrigerator condiments. Experiment with spices and sweeteners to customize each jar.
- Pickled purslane—adds a lemony, slightly salty bite
- Spiced apple rings—sweet-tart and aromatic, great with cheese or pork
More About Pickles
If you still have pickling questions, consider a comprehensive guide that covers common pitfalls and helpful tips for canning. A good canning resource answers the odd little questions that pop up when you’re working through a recipe, from brine ratios to processing times and jar storage. Having a reliable reference on hand helps you preserve safely and confidently, and makes experimenting with new pickles easier and more enjoyable.