Tuesday, August 21

Pickles: from seed to jar

In June, among the tiny pots filled with herbs and flowers and jalapeƱos, I planted cucumber seeds on my fire escape. The fantasy was that by the end of the summer I would harvest and jar my own pickles, old-timey, back-to-the-land domestic style. Cucumber turned out to be a surprising low-maintenance and resilient plant. It sprouted within days and grew quickly into large, furry-prickly leaves and delicate yellow blossoms. While most of my herbs and flowers wilted, my cucumber pot withstood intense heat, squirrel attacks and even a water-less, neglectful week while I was away. Needless to say, I've developed a deep affection for this plant.
About three weeks ago I had my first, thrilling little harvest. I immediately heated up some white vinegar, a sprinkle of sugar and a tablespoon of salt and poured the mixture over a jar packed with the julienned cuke slivers, a few sprigs of dill, a half teaspoon of cumin, red pepper flakes, peppercorns, and two garlic cloves. We ate the pickles this weekend. They turned out to be crisp and flavorful and a little spicy and taste like "real" fancy pickles—seriously one of the most satisfying culinary projects I've ever undertaken.
Everyone should pickle.

4 comments:

Allergic Girl® said...

i've been pickling kirbys for weeks too-so easy and delish to do.

but not with cukes that i had grown myself. seriously impressive ms. ate.

i'm sure they taste even better b/c you grew them. in NYC. on your fire escape. fanatstic!

Anonymous said...

Yum! I never thought I was a big pickle fan until a roommate made hot and spicy garlic pickles...it was love at first bite.

Cinde said...

I am growing my own cucumbers and green beans for pickling too. I can't wait to try them... I am inspired by your success!

Cheers,
Cinde

Visit my blog for gluten free vegetarian recipes: http://www.glutenfreetasteofhome.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

buy viagra soft online buy cheap viagra online cialis v s viagra viagra uk cheap purchase buy viagra manufacturer cost of viagra pharmacy viagra viagra generic soft tab generic viagra india viagra oral jelly sublingual viagra viagra sample viagra and cocaine viagra from india