Craving grandma’s cooking? This old fashioned homemade sweet whole pickle recipe will take you back in time. It’s a treasured family recipe that turns kosher pickles into sweet and crunchy treats. Enjoy them on sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar.
Key Takeaways
- This is a tried-and-true family recipe for old fashioned homemade sweet whole pickles
- The recipe uses kosher pickles as the base and adds a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch
- These pickles are versatile, great for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking right out of the jar
- The recipe yields approximately 3 jars of pickles, which can stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 weeks
- The pickles can be marinated for a few days to fully absorb the flavorful brine
Introduction to Sweet Whole Pickles
Explore the world of sweet whole pickles, a beloved tradition in American cooking. These pickles are cucumbers in a sweet and tangy brine. They offer a perfect mix of flavors.
What Are Sweet Whole Pickles?
Sweet whole pickles are cucumbers cured in a mix of water, vinegar, sugar, and spices. They become crisp and flavorful, with a sweet and sour taste. These pickles are often made from family recipes, showing the tradition of American preserving.
The History of Sweet Pickles
The history of sweet pickles in the U.S. starts in the early colonial era. Settlers brought pickling methods from Europe. Over time, these methods evolved into a cherished part of American cooking.
Sweet pickles were loved for preserving cucumbers and offering a tasty condiment all year.
“Making your own sweet pickles is a wonderful way to connect with the past and savor the flavors of homemade preserves.”
Today, making sweet whole pickles is still popular. Home canners and artisanal producers keep this tradition alive.
Why You Should Make Your Own Pickles
Making your own pickles at home has many benefits. You can choose the best ingredients and enjoy the process. It’s also a cost-effective way to make delicious pickles.
Health Benefits of Homemade Pickles
Homemade pickles are great for your gut health. They are full of good bacteria from fermentation. This can help with digestion, boost your immune system, and even make you happier.
Cost-Effective and Delicious
Homemade pickles save money and taste amazing. You can use fresh cucumbers from local farms. Plus, you can add your favorite spices and herbs to make them even better.
- Pickles are ready after a short chill in the refrigerator, as little as one hour, and can keep for several weeks.
- Most pickle recipes start with a hot vinegar brine, but this recipe uses a room temperature brine for better flavor, texture, and color.
- Thin cucumber slices taste fully pickled sooner (about one hour) compared to thicker spears (about three hours).
“The recipe for dill refrigerator pickles yields 1 medium jar of pickles (about 2 cups sliced pickles or 16 spears), and these pickles will keep for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.”
Homemade pickles are convenient, healthy, and delicious. They’re a great way to enjoy the art of pickling. So, give it a try and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Whole Pickles
To make delicious sweet whole pickles at home, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll start with fresh cucumbers, sugar, vinegar, and spices. These elements work together to create pickles that are both sweet and tangy. They’re perfect for adding flavor to classic bread and butter chips.
Cucumbers: Choosing the Best Ones
Choosing the right cucumbers is key to making great sweet whole pickles. Look for small to medium-sized, firm, and unblemished cucumbers. They should be the same size for even brining and texture.
Avoid large cucumbers as they might become too soft or seedy.
Sugar and Vinegar Types You Can Use
For the perfect sweet pickle brine, you need the right mix of sugar and vinegar. A good recipe uses about 5 1/2 cups of sugar and 4 cups of white vinegar (5% acidity) for 4 pounds of cucumbers. You can try different vinegars like apple cider or white wine to find your favorite taste.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- Celery seed: Adds a subtle, earthy note that complements the sweetness.
- Pickling spice: A flavorful blend of spices like mustard seed, coriander, and allspice.
- Mustard seed: Lends a peppery zing to the brine.
Some recipes start with store-bought kosher pickles. This lets you add your own twist to their classic flavor. Try different mixes to find your favorite sweet whole pickle recipe.
Tools and Equipment Needed
To make your own sweet whole pickles, you need some key tools and equipment. This ensures your pickles turn out great. Let’s explore the must-haves.
Jars and Lids: What to Look For
Start with the right jars for your pickles. Use canning jars, either pint or quart size, with tight-fitting lids. Look for two-piece lids, with a flat metal lid and a screw-on band. These are crucial for a good seal and long storage.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- A large pot or canner for processing the sealed jars
- A smaller pot for preparing the brine
- Tongs for safely handling the hot jars
- A funnel to help fill the jars with the pickle mixture
- A cheesecloth bag to contain any whole spices you want to use
Make sure to clean and sterilize all your equipment before starting. This step is key for a safe and quality product.
With the right jars, lids, and kitchen tools, you’re ready to make delicious sweet whole pickles.
Preparing Your Cucumbers
To make the perfect grandma’s sweet pickles, start by washing your cucumbers well. This removes dirt and debris. Then, slice a small piece off the blossom end of each cucumber. This helps the flavor spread evenly.
Choose how you want to cut your cucumbers. You can slice them thinly or keep them whole. Sliced pickles fit nicely in jars, while whole ones add a homemade charm. The goal is to have uniform pieces for even flavor.
Brining Process Explained
After preparing your cucumbers, it’s time for brining. This step removes excess water, making them ready for the pickling brine. Just soak them in a salt-water mix for a few days, stirring now and then.
This brining method is a key part of vintage pickle making. It gives your pickles the right crunch and taste.
“The brining process is the secret to achieving that perfect, old-fashioned pickle texture. It’s a step that can’t be skipped if you want to capture the essence of grandma’s sweet pickles.”
Now, your cucumbers are ready for pickling. You’re on your way to making pickles that remind you of your childhood. Back then, grandma’s sweet pickles were a special treat.
Making the Sweet Pickle Brine
Making the perfect sweet pickle brine is key to delicious homemade pickles. The brine mixes sugar, vinegar, and spices. It turns cucumbers into tasty, rustic sweet gherkins.
Key Components of the Brine
The brine’s base is sugar and vinegar in the right ratio. You can adjust this to make pickles more tart or sweet. Some recipes boil the brine, while others use cold water.
Classic pickling spices like celery seed and mustard seed add depth. These spices mix with sweetness and acidity for a balanced flavor.
Balancing Flavors for Perfection
Getting the brine just right is a balancing act. Start by mixing sugar and vinegar, then add spices. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s perfect.
The flavor also depends on the cucumbers and canning method. Try different vinegars to find your favorite sweet pickle taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 75 picklers (4-5″ long) or 2 gallons smaller-sized |
| Salt | 2 cups |
| Alum Powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 6 cups |
| Sugar | 5 cups + 2 cups + 1 cup |
| Pickling Spice | 1/3 cup |
| Celery Seed | 1 tablespoon |
With a bit of trial and error, you’ll master the sweet pickle brine. Your homemade pickles will impress everyone.
Combining Pickles and Brine
Now that your cucumbers are prepped and your brine is ready, it’s time to mix them. This will create tasty farmhouse dill pickle brine and classic bread and butter chips. The right way to do this is key to making perfect pickles.
Sterilizing Your Jars
Before you pack your pickles, make sure your jars are clean. Sterilize the jars by boiling them for 10 minutes. This kills bacteria that could ruin the pickling.
After boiling, take the jars out and let them dry. You can use a clean towel to dry them.
Pouring Brine Over Pickles Properly
Fill the sterilized jars tightly with cucumbers, leaving a little space at the top. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they’re covered. Use a clean tool to remove air bubbles.
Then, clean the jar rims and put on the lids and bands.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 2 pounds of fresh Kirby cucumbers |
| Brine | 8 cups cold water, 8 tablespoons kosher salt |
| Spices | 4 cloves garlic, 4 whole cloves, 3 bay leaves, 2 tsp coriander seeds, 2 tsp black peppercorns |
Some recipes suggest draining and re-brining the cucumbers for a few days. This step helps the brine soak into the pickles better. It makes the pickles taste even better.
Canning and Sealing Your Pickles
After you’ve made your sweet whole pickles and filled the jars, it’s time to can and seal them. This step keeps your old fashioned homemade sweet whole pickle recipe tasty and crunchy for up to a year. Here’s how to can and seal your homestyle pickle crock creations.
Water Bath Canning Process
Start by boiling your filled jars in a water bath for the right time. Pint jars need 5 minutes, and quart jars need 10 minutes. If you’re at a higher altitude, adjust the time. After the time is up, take the jars out and let them cool for 24 hours without moving them.
Ensuring a Proper Seal
- After cooling, check the lids for a seal by pressing the center.
- A sealed lid won’t flex up and down. This means it’s sealed well, keeping your pickles fresh and safe.
- If a lid doesn’t seal, you can reprocess it or refrigerate it for 7 days.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your homestyle pickle crock and old fashioned homemade sweet whole pickle recipe for up to a year. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. This way, your homemade pickles stay crisp, flavorful, and ready to enjoy anytime.
Storing Your Sweet Whole Pickles
Keeping your homemade sweet whole pickles fresh and flavorful is important. This way, you can enjoy them for months. Whether you’re making grandma’s sweet pickles or trying vintage pickle making, storing them right is key.
Ideal Storage Conditions
For the best storage, keep your pickles in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or cellar. Places with changing temperatures or sunlight can make them lose their crunch and taste.
Understanding Shelf Life
Sealed sweet whole pickles can last up to one year if stored well. Once you open them, keep them in the fridge and eat them within weeks. Recipes for fridge pickles are meant for quick use.
Check the jars for spoilage signs like bulging lids, cloudiness, or bad smells before eating. With the right storage, you can enjoy your pickles’ tangy-sweet taste for a long time.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Potassium | 42mg |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 13g |
Enjoying your homemade sweet whole pickles depends on how you store and handle them. With a bit of care, you can enjoy the delicious, crisp, and tangy-sweet flavors of your grandma’s sweet pickles or vintage pickle making for months.
Enjoying Your Homemade Sweet Pickles
Once you’ve mastered making your own heirloom pickles, it’s time to enjoy them. Sweet whole pickles are great with many dishes. They’re perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and charcuterie boards. Serve them as a tangy condiment or enjoy them alone – your homemade rustic sweet gherkins will shine.
Recipe Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Your homemade sweet pickles are versatile. Try them on deli-style sandwiches or burgers for extra flavor. They’re also great in fresh green salads, adding crunch and acidity. For a simple appetizer, serve them with artisanal cheeses, crackers, and bread.
Tips for Hosting a Pickle Tasting
Host a pickle tasting with friends and family. Offer homemade and store-bought pickles to show off different flavors and textures. Let guests compare and discuss the pickles. Pair them with craft beers or specialty cocktails for a memorable event. Celebrate pickle-making and sharing homemade treats with your loved ones.
Try making these at home and explore more delicious dessert recipes on our dessert category.