subject: Guide To Making And Storing Cucumber Pickles [print this page] Homemade pickles or pickles available in the market are relished by millions of people from all over the world. Different regions make different pickles depending on the food sources that they have in their land. For example, in India you will find pickles made from green mangoes, carrots and lemons. There are mixed pickles as well. Pickles are normally had a side dish with veggies. Children as well as adults like pickles. Normally children eat pickles when they dont like a particular vegetable.
In the western countries, cucumber is the main ingredient in pickles. You should use only the freshest of cucumbers to make the pickle. The cucumbers should be ideally picked in the morning. Wash the cucumbers well and place them in a sterile jar. You can then add 2 tbsp dill seed, cup of salt, cup of 5 percent vinegar, and 8 cups of water. You can also add 2 cloves of garlic, 2 dried red peppers, and/or 2 tsp of whole mixed pickling spices. This will also increase the acidity of the cucumbers and then no bacteria can grow in the pickle.
In case you find out that the pickle has become slimy or soft then you should throw it away. Be sure to wash the jars thoroughly before you put the pickle in them. Pickles normally last for 6 to 8 months if you put them if you store them at room temperature or put them in the refrigerator. Always small the pickle when you open the jar. In case you find the smell odd then you should discard the pickle.
For storing pickle in glass jars, you should first wash the jars with water. You should also place the jars in a microwave oven side by side. Heat the jars for two to three minutes.
Empty the jars and then drain them with kitchen paper. You can pour the pickle while the jars are still warm. Close the lid tightly once you have put the pickle in the jars. Put the jars in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
Follow the same directions in case you are going to store the pickle in plastic containers. You can simply sterilize the containers by pouring hot water in them.
