Pass over long, thin-skinned varieties, like English hothouse cucumbers. “I like to use medium-to-small-sized Kirby cukes,” says Brad. The Kirby variety has a thicker skin that can stand up to the pickling liquid, and remains crunchy, with a good snap, long after it’s been preserved.
Is there a specific cucumber for pickles?
Small size: Cucumbers bred specifically for pickling are shorter: anywhere from 1-1/2 to about 6 inches long. They also have squatter shapes with ends that are blunt instead of pointed—this allows whole and spear-cut cucumbers to be packed snugly into jars.
What kind of cucumbers are best for dill pickles?
Kirby cucumbers are the classic pickling cucumber — they hold up better than English cucumbers during pickling, remaining firm and crunchy instead of becoming overly soft. I’ve also found that Persian cucumbers make very nice pickles — they have thinner skin and are the perfect size for packing into pint jars.
What happens if you use regular cucumbers for pickles?
Slicing cucumbers, which includes English cucumbers, can be used for pickles, but you might get a softer pickle. Slicing cucumbers though always can be used in relish with no hesitation, where any softness won’t matter near as much. To help, you can make sure to chill cucumbers well before starting.
Can you use store bought cucumbers to make pickles?
Select fresh, firm, unwaxed cucumbers. Quite often pickles purchased from a grocery store will have a wax finish — this will prevent the brine from penetrating and not properly curing to make a good pickle.
Do bitter cucumbers make good pickles?
Some fruits will be bitter all the way through and should be discarded. Bitter cucumbers will not taste any better when pickled!
How do you keep cucumbers crisp when pickling?
Soak Cucumbers In Ice Water Beforehand
If you’re not canning your cucumbers immediately, leave them in an ice bath or in your refrigerator overnight to maintain firmness. Doing this before you start canning them will give you the crunchiest pickles you’ve ever had!
Do you peel cucumbers for pickles?
1. Trim and discard the blossom end of the cucumbers, then peel the cucumbers and cut them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. In a nonreactive bowl, toss them with the salt, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 or up to 24 hours (I like them after 12).
Why do you soak cucumbers in ice water before pickling?
For a quick and easy way to help ensure crisp pickles: soak cucumbers in ice water for 4 to 5 hours before pickling. This is a safer method for making crisp pickles. Using lime, or calcium hydroxide, in solution for soaking cucumbers changes the amount of acid in the cucumber tissue.
Why do you soak cucumbers in salt water before pickling?
You will need a recipe, most of which will tell you to salt your sliced cucumbers and let them sit for about 3 hours (more is better). This salt treatment draws water out of the cucumbers and flavors them, so it’s critically important.
Can I just put cucumbers in pickle juice?
Cucumbers in Pickle Juice – This recipe hack couldn’t be easier and it’s a great way to use up leftover pickle juice too. You prepare fresh cucumbers, and just drop them into the pickle juice, cover, and allow to marinate, and then enjoy!
Should you refrigerate cucumbers before pickling?
Use Them ASAP: The shorter the time between picking and pickling, the crisper your pickle will be. Store them Properly: Store your cucumbers in the refrigerator if you are not going to process them straight away. Chill Your Cukes: Chill your cukes in the refrigerator to make them cold and crisp before processing.
Can you pickle full size cucumbers?
Whole cucumbers will start to taste pickled in a week or two, while spears and slices might be ready to eat in just a few days.
How many times can I reuse pickle brine?
How many times can I reuse pickle juice? To be on the safe side, we wouldn’t recommend reusing it more than once, although some say you can safely reuse it 2 or 3 times. Again, watch for changes in the clarity of the brine. BONUS!
Why do homemade pickles taste bitter?
Bitter cucumbers contain elevated amounts of a compound called cucurbitacin, which is produced when cucumber plants are stressed and growing conditions less than optimal.
Why do my cucumbers taste like soap?
The cucumber plants grown with unsteady watering schedules and left over-heated or not fertilized properly can definitely produce a bitter vegetable. The extreme fluctuation of temperatures may also be one of the reasons.
Does soaking cucumbers in salt water remove bitterness?
The salt will draw out the bitter juice. Rinse away the salty water before cooking. This is probably no use if you want to eat the cucumber raw, as it will ruin any crispness the cucumber has.
Why are my pickled cucumbers soft?
If the pickles are soft, they are spoiled from the yeast fermentation. Don’t use them. Using too weak a salt brine or vinegar solution may cause soft or slippery pickles, as can using moldy garlic or storing the pickles at too warm a temperature. These pickles are spoiled and should be discarded.
How do I know if my homemade pickles are bad?
How to Tell If Pickles Have Gone Bad
- Bad smell in jar of pickles: Spoiled pickles will smell bad and unpleasantly sour.
- Discolored pickles or brine: All pickles are stored in brine.
- Visible mold on pickles: If you see any mold on the pickles or floating in the brine, they have gone bad and are unsafe to consume.
How long do you wait before eating homemade pickles?
To allow pickles to mellow and develop a delicious flavor, wait at least 3 weeks before eating! Keep in mind that pickles may be ready to enjoy earlier. It’s all up to you and your tastes! Just don’t let them go too long or the veggies’ texture can deteriorate and turn rubbery.
What is the difference between pickling cucumbers and regular cucumbers?
Pickling cucumbers are shorter and bigger around than slicing cucumbers. They are bred to have thinner skins and black spines so the pickled product will look better. Pickling varieties can be eaten fresh and slicing varieties can be pickled, but the differences can be discerned by the average consumer.