I’ve yet to meet a quick pickle I don’t like. Honestly, what wouldn’t benefit from a dunk in the sweet-salty tang of brine? The best part about quick pickling is just that — the benefits are quick to come by, and they’re unreasonably addictive.
True story: I’ve been caught sneakily eating these Pickled Mango Spears opens in a new tab on road trips.
Pickled Cajun Green Beans and Carrots opens in a new tabIf you’re looking for a good reason to pat yourself on the back, quick pickling is your friend. And as housewarming/host/just-being-sweet gifts go, there’s no easier or versatile way to impress your friends, family and neighbors with a condiment, no matter how you cut the mustard.
Get ready for fancied up cocktails and outstanding grilled meats, tacos and sandwiches — all with a little flavor-aid via quick pickles!
Quick-Pickling Shopping List
Herbs and Spices (such as fennel seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns and bay leaves from bulk jars)
Vinegar (white, rice, wine, sherry or apple cider)
Whole Trade® Cane Sugar
Fresh Organic Summer Produce
Quick pickles are stored in the refrigerator instead of the pantry. It’s basically a matter of combining ingredients and letting them hang out in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to a week. No complicated canning needed!
How to Quick Pickle Almost Anything
Equal parts water and vinegar (though we tend to use a little more vinegar).
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt and 2 tablespoons sugar or honey for about 1 pound of produce.
Bring mixture to a boil along with any whole spices, then pour over item to be pickled. Add any fresh herbs at this point.
Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
It’s pretty simple, and once you get the gist, you really can quick pickle just about anything. Here are some ideas to start:
Peaches
Slice peaches
Quick pickle with onion, mustard seeds and peppercorns
Serve with grilled pork chops or barbecued chicken
Cabbage
Shred cabbage
Quick pickle with onion and celery seeds
Serve with hot dogs and pulled-pork sandwiches
Watermelon Rind
Cut away any pink or green to leave white rind
Quick pickle with honey, cloves, lemon rind, ginger and dried chiles
Serve with grilled meat
Cherries
Pit cherries
Quick pickle with cinnamon sticks, coriander and cloves
Serve with cheese plates or in cocktails
Red Onions
Slice onions
Quick pickle with cloves and jalapeño peppers
Serve with tacos, sandwiches and salads
12 Awesome Quick Pickle Recipes
Black-Eyed Pea Pâté with Pickled Onions on Flatbread Crackers opens in a new tabYou’ve been warned and deliciously advised — quick pickles will rock your world and soon you’ll be wondering what you ever did without them. So go on, pick up some produce (or eggs, even opens in a new tab) and pickle forth!
What have you pickled lately?
