How to Pickle Vegetables
Learn how to pickle vegetables with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow our easy instructions to get it done right.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Choose and Prepare Vegetables
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Vegetables
Select fresh, firm vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, peppers, etc.), wash thoroughly, and cut to desired size.
Pickling and Fermenting Book
Complete guide to pickling vegetables at home
Mandoline Slicer
Tool for uniform vegetable slicing
2 Step 2: Make Pickling Brine
Step 2: Make Pickling Brine
Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in specified ratios. Bring to boil to dissolve salt and sugar.
Pickling Salt
Pure salt without additives for clear brine
Pickling Spice Mix
Blend of spices for flavoring pickles
3 Step 3: Add Aromatics and Pack Jars
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Pack Jars
Place garlic, dill, peppercorns, and other spices in jars, then pack vegetables tightly.
Wide Mouth Mason Jars 12-Pack
Quart-size jars perfect for pickles
4 Step 4: Pour Hot Brine Over Vegetables
Step 4: Pour Hot Brine Over Vegetables
Fill jars with hot brine, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles.
5 Step 5: Process or Refrigerate
Step 5: Process or Refrigerate
For shelf-stable pickles, process in water bath canner 10-15 min. For refrigerator pickles, simply refrigerate.
Water Bath Canner
Large pot with rack for processing pickles
6 Step 6: Wait Before Eating
Step 6: Wait Before Eating
Let pickles cure at least 1-2 weeks for flavors to develop fully before consuming.
Fermentation Weights
Glass weights to keep vegetables submerged