Hydrated Lime Pickles Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of homemade pickles with this cherished recipe passed down from Jan Wrong in 1971. These Hydrated Lime Pickles boast a delightful sweetness reminiscent of beloved brands like “Bicks”. The process involves a few steps of soaking and simmering, ensuring every cucumber slice is infused with flavor. Get ready to savor the taste of homemade goodness with each crunchy bite!
- Prep Time: 48 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 48 hours and 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 7 cucumbers
- 2 parts pickling lime
- 2 parts cold water
- 5 parts sugar
- 3 parts white vinegar
- 1/2 part water
- 1 part celery seed
- 1 part pickling salt
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix pickle ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, pickling lime, and cold water. Stir well to ensure all cucumbers are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it soak for 24 hours to achieve optimal flavor infusion. |
| 2 | Soak for 24 hours. Allow the mixture to rest for a full day, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the lime solution. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect pickle texture and taste. |
| 3 | Wash in clean running water. After the soaking period, rinse the cucumber slices thoroughly under clean running water for about 10 minutes. This helps remove any excess lime solution and prepares the cucumbers for the next stage of the pickling process. |
| 4 | Let set in clean ice water for 4 hours. Transfer the washed cucumber slices to a bowl of clean ice water. Allowing them to soak in ice water for 4 hours helps crisp them up and enhances their crunchiness, resulting in perfectly crisp pickles. |
| 5 | Prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, white vinegar, water, celery seed, and pickling salt to create the flavorful syrup for the pickles. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt completely. |
| 6 | Pour syrup over pickles. Once the syrup is ready, carefully pour it over the cucumber slices, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sweet and tangy liquid. Allow the pickles to marinate in the syrup overnight, absorbing the delicious flavors. |
| 7 | Simmer the pickles. The next day, transfer the pickles and syrup to a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-35 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to intensify and ensures the pickles are thoroughly cooked. |
| 8 | Add green food color. For that classic pickle appearance, add a few drops of green food coloring to the pot. Stir well to distribute the color evenly throughout the pickles, giving them that vibrant green hue. |
| 9 | Jar and seal. Once the pickles are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly to preserve the freshness and flavor of the pickles. Store them in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life. |
| 10 | Optional step. It’s worth noting that this recipe does not require the traditional boiling water bath method for sealing the jars. However, if you prefer, you can choose to process the jars in a boiling water bath for added preservation. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1195
- Fat Content: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 908.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 299.6g
- Fiber Content: 2g
- Sugar Content: 290.6g
- Protein Content: 2.6g
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the cucumbers are sliced uniformly for consistent texture in the pickles.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor results.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the syrup according to your taste preferences.
- Store the pickles in sterilized jars to prevent spoilage and prolong shelf life.
- Experiment with different variations of spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of your pickles.
Enjoy Your Homemade Hydrated Lime Pickles!
Savor the crispness, sweetness, and tanginess of these delightful homemade pickles, perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or accompanying your favorite dishes. With each crunchy bite, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into making these beloved Hydrated Lime Pickles. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself for a deliciously nostalgic treat! 🥒🌟
