Old-Fashioned Sweet NINE-DAY Pickles Delight
Transport yourself back to simpler times with these Old-Fashioned Sweet Nine-Day Pickles. This cherished family recipe has been handed down through generations and is renowned for its delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. The meticulous process of the nine-day preparation might seem daunting, but each step infuses flavor and nostalgia into every jar. Sweet pickles are not just a condiment; they’re a tradition, deliciously serving alongside fried chicken, in potato salads, or simply as a snack. While some may opt to process these pickles for food safety, many purists find that leaving them unprocessed preserves their authentic taste and texture. Gather your fresh cucumbers and treat yourself to the joy of making these homemade pickles. Remember to use food-safe, non-reactive containers for best results!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
4 quarts (Cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Pickling Salt
2 cups (N/A)
Water (soaking)
16 cups (N/A)
Fresh Water (for rinsing)
4 quarts (N/A)
Vinegar (for alum solution)
1 cup (N/A)
Fresh Water (for alum solution)
2 cups (N/A)
Alum
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Vinegar (for sweet brine)
2 cups (N/A)
Fresh Water (for sweet brine)
2 cups (N/A)
Sugar
8 cups (N/A)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Pickling Spices
1 tablespoon (Tied in a bag)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Old-Fashioned Sweet Nine-Day Pickles?
They are a traditional family recipe for sweet pickles known for their meticulous nine-day preparation and a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
How long does it take to make these pickles?
As the name suggests, the process takes a full nine days to complete, with each step infusing flavor and texture.
What are the main ingredients for the pickles?
The main ingredients include 4 quarts of cucumbers, pickling salt, sugar, vinegar, alum, turmeric, and pickling spices.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces before starting the pickling process.
What makes these pickles crunchy?
The combination of the nine-day preparation process and the addition of alum helps maintain their signature crunch.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 cups of sugar to create the sweet brine.
What is the purpose of alum in pickling?
Alum is used in a solution to help crisp the cucumbers during the long soaking process.
What kind of salt should I use?
You should use 2 cups of pickling salt specifically designed for preserving to avoid cloudy brine.
How do I use the pickling spices?
The one tablespoon of pickling spices should be tied in a bag and used during the flavoring stage.
Why is turmeric added to the recipe?
One teaspoon of turmeric is added for both its distinct flavor and the vibrant color it provides to the pickles.
Can I process these pickles in a water bath?
Yes, some people choose to process them for food safety, though many purists prefer them unprocessed to keep the authentic texture.
What is the benefit of leaving the pickles unprocessed?
Leaving them unprocessed can help preserve the most authentic taste and the maximum crunch of the cucumbers.
What type of containers should I use for pickling?
Always use food-safe, non-reactive containers like glass or ceramic to avoid metallic tastes and chemical reactions.
What can I serve with sweet nine-day pickles?
They are delicious alongside fried chicken, as a snack, or chopped up and added to potato salads.
How many quarts of cucumbers does this recipe make?
The recipe starts with 4 quarts of cucumber pieces, resulting in a significant batch of pickles.
How much vinegar is needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 cups of vinegar total: 1 cup for the alum solution and 2 cups for the final sweet brine.
How much water is needed for the initial soak?
The initial soaking step requires 16 cups of water combined with the pickling salt.
Are these pickles considered a side dish or a garnish?
They can be used as both a vegetable side dish and a decorative, flavorful garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for long-term canning?
Yes, it is designed as a preserving and canning recipe for traditional shelf-stable or refrigerated storage.
Can I use regular table salt?
It is recommended to use pickling salt because table salt contains additives that can make the pickling liquid cloudy.
What is the flavor profile of these pickles?
They are characterized by a deep sweetness balanced by vinegar acidity and aromatic pickling spices.
Is the nine-day process difficult?
While it takes time, the steps themselves are manageable and the result is considered well worth the effort.
Can I use these pickles in recipes?
Yes, they are a popular addition to potato salads and other cold salads for extra flavor and texture.
What size should I cut the cucumber slices?
Cutting them into 1/2 inch pieces ensures they are the right size for soaking and eating.
Do these pickles contain fat or cholesterol?
Based on the ingredient list, these pickles are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include sweet pickles, canning, preserving, old-fashioned, pickling, vegetable side, and traditional recipe.
Can children eat these pickles?
Yes, their sweet and crunchy nature makes them a favorite snack for both children and adults.
Is turmeric essential for the recipe?
Yes, it provides the traditional yellow-green hue expected in sweet pickles.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
It is a great recipe for beginners who have patience and want to learn traditional pickling methods.
What kind of water should be used for rinsing?
Fresh water should be used to rinse the cucumbers thoroughly between the various soaking stages.