Pickles can be quite the zesty addition to your diet! Here are some potential health benefits:
- Probiotics: Fermented pickles, like those made from cucumbers, can contain beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which are great for gut health.
- Antioxidants: Pickles often retain the antioxidants present in the original vegetables, helping to fight free radicals in your body.
- Hydration: The high water content in pickles can help keep you hydrated, especially if you consume the brine.
- Low in Calories: Pickles are generally low in calories, making them a great snack for those who are mindful of their calorie intake.
- Blood Sugar Control: The vinegar in pickles can help with blood sugar control by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates.
- Electrolytes: Pickles and their juice can help replenish electrolytes, especially after intense workouts.
Keep in mind that pickles can also be high in sodium, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Ready to start pickling? 😊
Tips for Perfect Pickles
- Use a stainless steel, glass, or other non-reactive pot when preparing the pickle sauce. Avoid aluminum, copper, or cast iron, as these metals can react with acidic ingredients and alter the taste.
- Any glass jar will work for storage; there’s no need for fancy containers. Simply fill the jars and sterilize the lids by rinsing them with boiling water before sealing.
- These pickles add zest and heat to sandwiches, salads, and meals, making them a great homemade treat for family and friends.
Homemade Pickles made Easy
Secret number one is to use only firm, ripe, blemish-free vegetables
Equipment
- Glass Jars
Ingredients
- 2 red onions thinly sliced
- 1 small fresh cabbage thinly sliced
- coarse black pepper to taste
- mixed fresh vegetables of your choice optional, garlic
- few cloves of garlic optional
- 500ml apple cider vinegar
- 500ml water
- 2 tsps salt
- 12 sachets sweetener (or less sweetener) or use sugar to taste
For The Hot Jar:
- Bird's eye chilies
- mini cucumbers sliced
- Thai chilies diced
- 2 Padron peppers, or shishito peppers they have a mild flavour, diced
- 2 garlic cloves diced
Instructions
- Divide the ingredients into separate jars: red onions in one, cabbage with black pepper in another, mixed vegetables in a third, and the hot ingredients in the last jar.
- In a pot, bring the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and sweetener (or sugar) to a boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour the warm pickling liquid into the jars, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. If there isn’t enough liquid, top up with lime juice until the jars are filled to the rim.
- Let the jars stand uncovered for 1 hour.
- Seal the jars with sterilized lids and refrigerate.
Your pickles are now ready to enjoy! They will develop even more flavour over time. Refrigerate and consume within a few weeks for the best taste.
