Sweet & Spicy Gherkin Pickles
These delightful Sweet & Spicy Gherkin Pickles bring a burst of flavor to your pantry! This recipe combines the crunch of fresh pickling cucumbers with a sweet and tangy syrup enriched with aromatic spices, ensuring each bite is a satisfying experience. Perfect as a snack, condiment, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes, these gherkins are meticulously prepared over several days to develop their unique flavor. With the option to add a hint of vanilla and fennel, you'll create a one-of-a-kind pickle that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of making these artisanal pickles and relish them for many months to come!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pickling cucumbers
5 quarts (1 1/2 to 3 inches long, washed and blemishes removed)
Pickling salt
1/2 cup (for brining)
Granulated sugar
8 cups (divided throughout the recipe)
Distilled white vinegar
6 cups (divided throughout the recipe)
Turmeric
3/4 teaspoon (for flavor and coloring)
Celery seeds
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Pickling spices
2 teaspoons (for added flavor)
Cinnamon sticks
8 pieces (1 inch each, for flavor)
Fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon (optional, but recommended for additional flavor)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (optional, adds a unique twist)
Instructions
1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, making sure to remove the blossom and blossom end. Opt for the smallest pickling cucumbers available for the best results.
2
DAY 1: In the afternoon, place the cucumbers in a large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them stand for 6 hours or overnight to soften.
3
DAY 2: In the morning, drain the cucumbers and cover them again with fresh boiling water. Let them stand for another 6 hours.
4
In the afternoon, drain the cucumbers again, then sprinkle with pickling salt and cover with fresh boiling water once more.
5
DAY 3: In the morning, drain the cucumbers again and prick each one with a fork to allow the syrup to penetrate effectively. In a separate pan, combine 3 cups of granulated sugar, 3 cups of distilled white vinegar, turmeric, celery seeds, pickling spices, and cinnamon sticks. Heat to a boiling point before pouring over the cucumbers.
6
In the afternoon, drain the syrup mixture into a large pan. Add the remaining 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of vinegar. Heat to boiling, then pour over the cucumbers again. Cover and let stand.
7
DAY 4: In the morning, drain the syrup mixture into a large pan and add 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of vinegar. Heat to boiling and pour over the pickles.
8
In the afternoon, prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them. Drain the syrup mixture off the pickles into a large pan, add the remaining 1 cup of sugar and vanilla extract (if using), and heat to boiling. Pack the pickles into clean, hot jars, and cover with the hot syrup, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Spicy Gherkin Pickles?
These are artisanal pickles made from small pickling cucumbers that are preserved in a sweet and tangy syrup flavored with turmeric, celery seeds, pickling spices, cinnamon, and optional vanilla.
How long does the entire process take?
The process takes four days to allow the cucumbers to soften and the syrup to fully penetrate for maximum flavor.
What type of cucumbers should I use for gherkins?
You should use the smallest pickling cucumbers available, ideally between 1 1/2 to 3 inches long.
Why is it important to remove the blossom end?
Removing the blossom end helps maintain the crunchiness of the pickles, as the blossom contains enzymes that can cause softening.
What is the first step on Day 1?
In the afternoon, wash the cucumbers and cover them with boiling water, then let them stand for 6 hours or overnight.
What happens on the morning of Day 2?
You must drain the cucumbers and cover them again with fresh boiling water for another 6 hours.
When do I add the pickling salt?
Pickling salt is added on the afternoon of Day 2 after draining the cucumbers for the second time and before adding more boiling water.
Why do I need to prick the cucumbers with a fork?
On the morning of Day 3, you prick each cucumber to allow the syrup to penetrate the skin effectively.
What ingredients go into the first syrup batch on Day 3?
The first batch includes 3 cups of sugar, 3 cups of vinegar, turmeric, celery seeds, pickling spices, and cinnamon sticks.
How much sugar is used in total?
A total of 8 cups of granulated sugar is used throughout the multi-day process.
How much vinegar is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 6 cups of distilled white vinegar, added in divided amounts over Days 3 and 4.
Is vanilla extract required for this recipe?
No, vanilla extract is optional, but it is recommended for adding a unique flavor twist to the pickles.
Is fennel seed necessary?
Fennel seed is optional but recommended for those who want additional aromatic flavor in their gherkins.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies distilled white vinegar for a clean, sharp tang.
How long do I process the jars in a water bath?
The sealed jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
What is the required headspace for canning these pickles?
You should leave 1/2 inch of headspace when filling the jars with pickles and syrup.
Can I use large cucumbers for this recipe?
While you can use larger ones, smaller cucumbers (1.5 to 3 inches) provide the best texture and results for traditional gherkins.
What spices are included in the pickling liquid?
The liquid includes turmeric, celery seeds, pickling spices, and cinnamon sticks.
How do I prepare the jars for canning?
The jars should be sterilized and kept hot until they are ready to be packed with pickles and syrup.
Why is the sugar added in stages?
Adding sugar and vinegar in stages helps the cucumbers absorb the sweetness gradually without shriveling and creates a thicker syrup.
What is the purpose of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric provides both flavor and a vibrant yellow-green color to the pickles.
How many cinnamon sticks are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 cinnamon sticks, each about 1 inch long.
What do I do on the afternoon of Day 3?
Drain the syrup into a pan, add 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of vinegar, boil it, and pour it back over the cucumbers.
What is added to the syrup on the morning of Day 4?
You add 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of vinegar to the drained syrup before boiling and pouring it over the pickles again.
When is the final 1 cup of sugar added?
The final cup of sugar, along with the vanilla extract, is added on the afternoon of Day 4 before the final boil and canning.
Can I use table salt instead of pickling salt?
It is recommended to use pickling salt because table salt contains additives that can make the pickling liquid cloudy.
What should I do if my cucumbers have blemishes?
You should thoroughly wash the cucumbers and remove any blemishes before starting the process.
What are the best serving suggestions for these pickles?
They are perfect as a snack, a condiment on sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to cheese platters.
How long will these pickles last?
If properly sealed and processed in a water bath, these artisanal pickles can be relished for many months.
How much pickling salt is used for the brine?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pickling salt added on the second day.