Refrigerator Pickles | A Homesteading Guide To Pickling

Want to know the art of refrigerator pickles? It’s really not that complicated it’s so simple you’ll want to start pickling every vegetable that you see.

Refrigerator Pickles | A Homesteading Guide To Pickling

Pickling has been one of my go-to method in food preservation. It’s easy and doesn’t really require a lot of tools or supplies. Pretty much all you’ll need is a jar, the vegetable, some vinegar and a refrigerator. Seems easy right? But what if I tell you that there’s more to pickling than what you know now? Allow me to share a few tips and tricks that will make your pickled vegetables taste better and make you a refrigerator pickle pro! But what if I tell you that there’s more to pickling than what you know now? Allow me to share a few tips and tricks that will make your pickled vegetables taste better and make you a refrigerator pickle pro!

Allow me to share a few tips and tricks that will make your pickled vegetables taste better and make you a refrigerator pickle pro!

This illustration was drawn by Bambi Edlund, originally done for Edible Buffalo’s fall issue.

Who doesn’t love pickles?

If the canning process seems way too time-consuming, consider the humble refrigerator pickle! Pour a vinegar-and-salt brine (with sugar, spice, and anything else nice) over a jarful of fresh produce, and store in the fridge. Most refrigerator pickles, if fully covered by brine, can be enjoyed for up to two months!

The Acid Ingredient In Refrigerator Pickles

ACID is what keeps bacteria at bay. When canning, it is imporant to carefully balance pH levels, but refrigerator pickles are much more forgiving. Play around with different types, and add some citrus to liven thing sup!

The Salt In Refrigerator Pickles

SALT is a key ingredient in pickling. It adds flavor, and helps to draw excess water out of fruits & vegetables, making the pickles extra crunchy. Don’t be tempted by the wide variety of gourmet salts – use only kosher or pickling salt. Any other type will make the brine cloudy.

Keep Refrigerator Pickles Crispy

Be sure to snip off the blossom end (bottom end) of the cucumber before pickling. It contains an enzyme that will soften the pickles.

Spice Up Refrigerator Pickles

Don’t be afraid to heat things up with mustard seed, ginger, or dried chiles!

More Refrigerator Pickle Tips:

• A half-teaspoon of turmeric will hide any discoloration of pickled cauliflower.
• Use only the freshest produce – if YOU wouldn’t eat it fresh, don’t pickle it!

So are you more prepared to make a batch of pickled vegetables? Let us know which vegetable you’ll pickle and other thoughts you may have below in the comments! 🙂

Want to try another method of food preservation?

Try this: How to Can Food in 13 Easy Steps