I like the idea of canning veggies from my garden. However, I have never canned any fruits or vegetables. I admit I am a bit intimidated by the process. But, the abundance of tomatoes in my garden may say otherwise, and force me to learn how to can them for sauces, and salsa. I have family and friends who can veggies and fruits, perhaps I will take some lessons from them. But, I will keep it simple and learn how to make refrigerator pickles.
The pickling cucumbers that my husband planted have been having a banner year. My appetite can’t keep up with all the fresh pickling cucumbers we get daily. Therefore, they need to be picked and then pickled! Learn with me, how to make simple and easy refrigerator pickles–no canning required.
Late Summer DIY: Refrigerator Pickles
Whenever I plan to make a new recipe I like to read and look at multiple recipes. After looking through multiple recipes, I usually combine ingredients needed + cooking methods to make it my own. When researching how to make refrigerator pickles I looked into different recipes and preparation. I wanted to know what ingredients were needed and if any special tools or devices were required to make refrigerator pickles. From this research, I have created a plan based on what ingredients I have and what flavors I like.
What Kind of Cucumbers Work Best for Pickles?
Cucumbers with small seeds or labeled pickling cucumbers, are the best type to use when making pickles. Cucumber Boston Pickling can be grown from seed for an abundance of small and tender cucumbers to turn into pickles. You will need to plant the cucumbers in late spring or early summer, once the danger of frost has passed. If you missed that opportunity this year you can still make your own refrigerator pickles, by using mini cucumbers from the grocery store or farmers market.
Vinegar, Salt and Sugar for Refrigerator Pickles
There is much debate on the ratio of vinegar to water for pickling. Refrigerator pickles can and may have a higher ratio of water to vinegar such as a 2:1 ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. However, a 1: 1 ratio of vinegar to water can also be used in refrigerator pickles, depending on your flavor preference. Most recipes suggest using white vinegar, however, cider vinegar can be used for a sweeter taste.
Cucumbers need salt to turn into pickles. Salt draws out water from the cucumbers when pickling. It also helps the cucumbers absorb other flavors used in the pickling process. For this recipe, we will be using a coarse kosher sea salt.
When pickling veggies sugar is often added at the same amount as salt. Sugar can help to tone down the acidity and sour taste of vinegar.
Herbs, Spices, and Other Delights
Onions or shallots can be added to refrigerator pickles. For this first time making refrigerator pickles, I will most likely skip adding onions or shallots. However, will definitely add them to future versions of these tasty pickles! If you like spice add some jalapenos to the pickle jar to jazz it up.
I LOVE garlic flavors in pickles, and will definitely be adding some! I didn’t grow any garlic in the garden this year, however, do have some on hand from our local neighborhood farmer’s market.
Pickling spices can be used, but aren’t necessary. Since I have pickling spices in my cupboard for making corned beef, I will be adding pickling spices to these refrigerator pickles.
In addition to spices in pickles adding fresh herbs is a must for flavorful pickles. Dill pickles are my favorite. I don’t mess around with sweet pickles like bread and butter pickles–they just don’t trip my trigger. Therefore, fresh dill from the garden will be a huge component in this batch of refrigerator dill pickles.
Equipment Needed
Since this is such an easy way to make pickles most of the equipment needed you most likely have. Liquid measuring cups, measuring spoons, knife for slicing, a cutting board, and a pot for heating water. The pickles can be stored in any container with a lid, however, glass jars are preferred as plastic containers may absorb the flavors of the brine.
I will make a quart’s worth of brine to pour over the pickles. 1 quart of brine is enough to fill 8 1/2 pint canning jars.
Easy Refrigerator Pickles Recipe
Pickle Ingredients Per 1/2 Pint Jar
- Fresh pickling cucumbers (the smaller the better). As many as you have or as many that fill the jars you are using.
- Fresh garlic cloves. 1 clove per 1/2 pint jar.
- Fresh heads of dill (1-2)
- 1 tsp pickling spices
Refrigerator Pickles Brine
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 3 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Steps to Assembling Refrigerator Pickles
- Pick your fresh cucumbers from the garden. Cut a few sprigs of dill. If using ingredients from the grocery store or farmers market, skip this step.
- Slice the cucumbers into chips or spears. You may also leave them whole depending on the size of the cucumbers and your preference.
- Place dill in the bottom of the jar.
- Place cucumbers into the jar filling up as much as possible.
- Smash the garlic and place in the jar.
- Add 1 tsp of pickling spices to each 1/2 pint jar.
How to Make Pickling Brine for Refrigerator Pickles
- Add 2 cups water and 2 cups distilled white vinegar to a sauce pan
- Heat over medium-high heat
- Add 3 tablespoons coarse Kosher sea salt
- Add 1 tsp sugar
- Stir while the salt and sugar dissolve in the liquid
Combining the Jar Ingredients with the Liquid Ingredients to Create Pickles
Allow the brine to cool before adding it to the jars. Once the brine has cooled pour into the jars to near the top. Leave some room to seal the jars. Wait 48 hours for the magic to happen with the brine melding with the cucumbers, garlic, dill, and spices before eating. Refrigerator pickles will last several weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. Enjoy as a tasty, crunchy, healthy, and salty snack. Top a delicious burger, hot dog, or chicken sandwich with them.
Share Pickles With Your Friends and Neighbors
One of my favorite parts of growing vegetables is sharing the bounty with neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers. I decided to use 1/2 pint jars for the refrigerator pickles so that they can easily be shared. Once they have melded together after their 48-hour brine bath I will walk a jar over to each of my neighbors to share the delight of our garden. I know most of my neighbors on the street I live on. However, if I didn’t know them yet, sharing homemade refrigerator pickles seems like a good way to introduce myself to them and get to know them! Hopefully, this experiment with refrigerator pickles will produce delicious results.
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