Enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess with this homemade summertime sweet pickles recipe. Made with cucumbers, vinegar, and a flavorful blend of spices, these pickles are a refreshing and irresistible treat. They are great for snacking, serving with sandwiches, or as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats. Make a batch of these pickles during the summer months and enjoy their crisp and refreshing taste all year round.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pickling cucumbers, sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- In a large non-reactive bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the vinegar mixture is boiling and the sugar has completely dissolved, remove it from the heat.
- Drain the cucumbers and rinse them well under cold water to remove any excess salt.
- Transfer the cucumbers to sterile mason jars or a large glass container. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Let the pickles cool to room temperature, then cover the jars or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer you let them sit, the more flavorful they will become.
- Serve the summertime sweet pickles chilled as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pickles have been enjoyed for thousands of years and were even prized by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians.
The vinegar in pickles not only adds flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.
Pickles are often paired with sandwiches because their acidity helps cut through the richness of the fillings.
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the pickles gives them a slight kick of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy twist.
Homemade pickles allow you to customize the flavor to your preference, so don't be afraid to experiment with different spices or additional ingredients.