Make Crunchy Dill Pickles Every Time, An Old Fashioned Recipe

cucumbers

🥗Healthier: English cucumbers

💰Cheaper: pickling cucumbers

English cucumbers are lower in calories, while pickling cucumbers are often cheaper.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may offer more flavor and nutrients, while white vinegar is typically less expensive.

Start with good, fresh garden cucumbers; remove the bloom side to prevent mushiness.

Brine cucumbers in a one-gallon jar with cold water and 1/4 cup of salt for 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

After brining, prepare the pickling brine by combining white distilled vinegar, cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil until dissolved.

Add mustard seed, dill seed, black peppercorns, and fresh garlic to the brine.

Layer the brined cucumbers in jars with the spices and add grape leaves for crunchiness.

Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Process the jars in a water bath for about 15 to 20 minutes for quart jars, adjusting for altitude if necessary.

Let the jars cool and listen for the sealing 'pop' sound as they cool.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary