The
following is straight from the national center for Home Food Preservation and
is a safe, tested method for fermenting pickles. You may can them when they are finished for
longer shelf life, but will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Fermented Pickles
July 27, 2022
Yield:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
Use the following
quantities for each gallon capacity of your container.
- 4 lbs of 4-inch pickling cucumbers
- 2 tbsp dill seed or 4 to 5 heads fresh or dry dill weed
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/4 cup vinegar (5 percent)
- 8 cups water and one or more of the following ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 2 dried red peppers (optional)
- 2 tsp whole mixed pickling spices (optional)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers. Cut 1/16-inch slice off blossom end and discard. Leave 1/4-inch of stem attached.
- Place half of dill and spices on bottom of a clean, suitable container. For more information on containers see "Suitable Containers, Covers, and Weights for Fermenting Food," .
- Add cucumbers, remaining dill, and spices. Dissolve salt in vinegar and water and pour over cucumbers. Add suitable cover and weight.
- Store where temperature is between 70ºF and 75ºF for about 3 to 4 weeks while fermenting. Temperatures of 55º to 65ºF are acceptable, but the fermentation will take 5 to 6 weeks.
- Avoid temperatures above 80ºF,
or pickles will become too soft during fermentation. Fermenting pickles
cure slowly. Check the container several times a week and promptly remove
surface scum or mold.
Caution: If the pickles become soft, slimy, or develop a disagreeable odor, discard them.
- Fully fermented pickles may be stored in the original container for about 4 to 6 months, provided they are refrigerated and surface scum and molds are removed regularly.
If you wish to can these, please refer to The National Center for Home Food Preservation.
All photographs copyright Janet S. Grey
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