Discover the Fun World of DIY Sour Pickle Kits and Pickling Vegetables at Home

The Rise of DIY Sour Pickle Kits

Sour pickles have been a beloved snack for ages, bringing that perfect balance of salty, sour and crunchy to sandwiches, burgers and appetizer spreads. While you can easily buy pickled cucumbers at any grocery store, more and more people are discovering the fun of pickling their own vegetables at home. Sour pickle starter kits have made the process even easier, providing pre-mixed spices, recipes and directions for turning fresh cucumbers into delicious sour pickles. The growing popularity of these DIY pickle kits reflects a larger food trend focused on homemade and artisanal foods. If you're curious about how pickle kits work or just love tangy, crunchy treats, read on to learn all about the sour pickle pickling process.

What's in a Sour Pickle Kit?

A basic sour pickle kit will likely contain a canning jar or two, pre-measured pickling spices, recipes and instructions. The spices are the key ingredient, as they contain the mixture of dill, garlic, mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns and other herbs and aromatics that give pickles their distinctive flavor. The spices may come pre-mixed or with each component separately bagged so you can customize the amounts. The kit should also include directions showing you when to add the spices during the brining and fermenting process.

In addition to these basic components, some pickle kits may also feature:

• Canning equipment like jars, lids and tongs
• Pickling salt or calcium chloride
• Pickling lime for extra crispness
• A container for the brine like a plastic bucket or crock
• Fresh dill heads and garlic cloves for flavor
• Recipes for different types of pickled vegetables

High-end pickle kits may even include pre-mixed brine instead of having you make your own. The main appeal of DIY pickle kits is that they provide the key spices and instructions, while allowing you to customize the rest.

Pickling Cucumbers and Other Vegetables

Cucumbers are the most iconic vegetable for pickling into sour dills. Look for smaller cucumbers no more than 4-5 inches long. Kirby, Persian and gherkin cucumber varieties are all good choices. The cucumbers should be fresh and firm, without any bruises or yellowing.

But don't stop at cucumbers! Almost any vegetable can be pickled, so consider branching out with:

• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Onions
• Green tomatoes
• Jalapenos
• Red cabbage

Making Brine for Pickling

The brine solution is what transforms fresh vegetables into sour pickles through salt curing and fermentation. To make a basic brine, you'll need:

• Distilled white vinegar - Cider vinegar also works
• Water
• Pickling or kosher salt
• Sugar or other sweetener like honey (optional)

Combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar (if using) in a large pot and bring to a boil. Let the brine cool fully before pouring it over the vegetables. Keep the vegetables submerged with pickle weights. Ferment the pickles at room temperature for 1-3 weeks until sour.

Tips for the Perfect Pickled Snack

Here are a few tips to help you make the best tasting sour pickles using your pickle starter kit:

• Wash vegetables thoroughly and trim any unwanted parts
• Use chilled, fresh brine for maximum crispness
• Weigh down pickles with jars or pickle weights
• Remove scum that rises to the top daily
• Burp jars regularly to release gases
• Sample pickles after 1 week fermenting
• Refrigerate after desired sourness is reached

Pickle kits simplify the process but it still takes some time and effort for that signature sour flavor. Be patient and enjoy watching your crunchy cucumbers transform over time. Before long, you'll be rewarded with the perfect homemade pickle!

Popular Brands of Pickle Kits

Sour pickle starter kits have exploded in popularity, and there are now many brands selling everything you need for DIY pickling. Here are some of the top pickle kit companies:

The Spiced Pickle

Founded by two moms, The Spiced Pickle offers both fermented and quick pickle kits. Their fermented kits include glass weights, spices, oak leaves for natural tannins and access to an instructional video. Quick pickle kits include jars, spices and a simple cold-pack method. They use natural spices and ingredients for authentic flavor.

Brooklyn Brine

With fun, creative flavor options like dill pickle pizza and bourbon bread & butter, Brooklyn Brine gives a unique twist on pickling. Their pickle kits include pre-mixed brines for convenience. You simply add water, bring to a boil and pour over your choice of veggies. Jars, lids and seal are included.

Pickle de Gallo

All of Pickle de Gallo's pickle kits are inspired by Latin America flavors. Choices like habanero escabeche will add some heat, while curtido kits make the traditional Salvadoran pickled cabbage. Their DIY kits provide a fun way to explore new pickle flavors from around the world.

True Canning

Offering both fermented and quick process pickle kits, True Canning makes it easy to pickle at home. Their pickle spice varieties include dill, bread & butter chipotle and more. Kits come with step-by-step instructions, pickle pebbles, safety seals and a choice of 4 or 16 oz jars. Everything can be bought separately too.

Flip-It Pickle Kit

This kit gets points for innovation! It includes a special Flip-It Pickle Fermenter which rotates jars for even fermenting. No need to burp jars or plunge vegetables. Just fill, flip and wait. Each kit has enough supplies for 7 jars of pickles. Pick your spice blend and enjoy the easiest path to pickles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients go into a pickle brine?

A basic pickle brine contains a ratio of water, vinegar, salt and sometimes sugar or spices. The water helps the cucumbers absorb the brining solution. Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar give pickles that sour punch. Pickling salt or kosher salt are best since they don't have anti-caking agents. A bit of sugar balances out some of the sourness.

How long does it take to make fermented pickles?

Fermented pickles take 1-3 weeks to develop their signature sour flavor. Taste them after the first 5-7 days to monitor their progress. Refrigerate finished pickles to stop the fermentation. Expect quick pickles to be ready in just 1-2 days since they use vinegar for instant flavor.

What vegetables can I pickle?

Almost any vegetable can be pickled! Cucumbers are the classic choice, but consider experimenting with cauliflower, peppers, green beans, asparagus, onions, carrots, radishes and more. Just remove any tough, seedy cores or rinds before pickling them.

What supplies do I need for pickling?

Basic pickling supplies include glass jars or crocks, lids, a large pot, pickle weights, a kitchen scale, tongs, a ladle, cheesecloth, a funnel and a mason jar lifter. Look for pickling salt and pickling spices designed for canning. Pickle starter kits provide most of these supplies.

Can I customize the flavors of my pickles?

Absolutely! Many pickle kits let you adjust the amounts of individual spices to suit your tastes. You can also add fresh herbs like dill, garlic, peppercorns or coriander seeds. For sweeter pickles, use sugar instead of salt in the brine. Get creative with different vinegars, salts and spice blends.

FAQs

What's the difference between fermented and quick pickles?

Fermented pickles rely on salt, spices and natural fermentation to develop that distinctive sour flavor. They take 1-3 weeks. Quick pickles use vinegar for fast flavor, and are ready in 1-2 days. Fermented pickles tend to have more complex flavor.

Can I reuse brine when pickling multiple batches?

It's not recommended to reuse brine, as it can cause soft or slimy pickles. The brine loses acidity over time. For each new batch, make a fresh brine to ensure crisp, properly fermented pickles.

Which is better - canned or jarred pickles?

Jarred pickles tend to be fermented or quick pickled, meaning they are raw and crunchy. Canned pickles are fully cooked and softer. It's a matter of texture and flavor preference. Both jarred and canned pickles have a long shelf life.

What's the white sediment on my fermented pickles?

Don't worry, that white residue is just harmless yeast developed during active fermentation. It's a sign of a healthy, successful ferment. Simply skim it off the top while your pickles are brining.

Can I pickle my own jalapeno slices?

Absolutely! Slice fresh jalapenos into rounds and quick pickle them in a vinegar brine. Add slices to sandwiches, tacos, nachos and more. Quick pickled jalapenos make a spicy accent to many dishes.