Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crisp-Freezer Dill Pickles?
These are a sweet and tangy pickle made with cucumbers and yellow onions that are preserved in the freezer to maintain their crunch.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cucumbers sliced 1/8-inch thick.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
Yellow onions are recommended, and they should also be sliced 1/8-inch thick.
How much salt is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of salt.
What is the purpose of the salt in this recipe?
The salt helps the cucumbers and onions release their natural moisture during the initial standing period.
How long do the vegetables need to sit at room temperature?
The mixture of cucumbers, onions, salt, and water should stand for 2 hours.
Should I rinse the vegetables after they sit for 2 hours?
No, you should drain the vegetables thoroughly but do not rinse them.
What type of bowl is recommended for mixing?
A 2-quart non-metal bowl should be used to avoid reactions with the salt and vinegar.
What kind of vinegar is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cider vinegar.
Is the dill used fresh or dried?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried dill weed.
How much sugar is in the pickle brine?
There is 1 cup of sugar included in the mixture.
How much water do I add to the initial mix?
Only 2 tablespoons of water are added to the initial salt mixture.
When do I add the sugar and vinegar?
The sugar, vinegar, and dill are added after the vegetables have been drained.
How long do I stir the final mixture?
Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid covers the vegetables.
What kind of containers should I use for freezing?
Wide-mouth jars or plastic freezer containers are recommended.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
You should leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
How do I store these pickles?
Seal the containers tightly and store them in the freezer.
How do I defrost the pickles?
You can defrost them in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you are ready to eat them.
Are these pickles crunchy?
Yes, they are described as crisp and the freezing process helps maintain that texture.
What can I serve these pickles with?
They are excellent on sandwiches, in salads, or eaten straight from the jar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients: cucumber, yellow onion, salt, water, sugar, cider vinegar, and dried dill weed.
What is the total weight of cucumbers needed?
The recipe requires 1 pound of cucumbers.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of yellow onions.
Can I use metal bowls?
No, it is advised to use a non-metal bowl for this process.
Is this a cooked recipe?
No, this is a freezer-based pickling method that does not require boiling the brine.
How thick should I slice the vegetables?
Both the cucumbers and onions should be sliced 1/8-inch thick.
What makes the brine tangy?
The combination of cider vinegar and sugar creates the signature tangy flavor.
Are these pickles sweet?
Yes, with 1 cup of sugar, they have a sweet and tangy profile.
Is the dill flavor strong?
The use of 1 tablespoon of dried dill weed provides an aromatic dill flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for long-term storage?
Yes, freezing is an effective way to preserve these pickles for enjoyment all year round.