Avoiding the pitfalls: Perfecting your pickled cucumbers
Pickled cucumbers are a popular delicacy, but the process of making them doesn’t always go smoothly. Discover the mistakes that often lead to hollow insides and learn how to avoid them.
What causes pickled cucumbers to be hollow inside?
One of the main mistakes leading to unsuccessful pickling is the incorrect brine ratio. Too much water compared to salt can result in improper fermentation. It’s important to follow proven recipes where each litre of water has the right amount of rock salt — preferably non-iodized to ensure proper fermentation.
Another aspect affecting the pickling process is the quality of the cucumbers. When choosing cucumbers for pickling, avoid those that have already started to wither. Also, pay attention to their size. Oversized cucumbers can turn out unpalatable. It’s best to choose fresh cucumbers from a reliable source where they haven’t been over-fertilised.
To ensure successful pickled cucumbers, maintain cleanliness during preparation. Proper washing and sterilising of jars and lids will help avoid unwanted microorganisms that might disrupt the fermentation process.
Tight sealing of jars is another step that is often overlooked. Incorrectly fitted lids can lead to air penetration and loss of cucumber crunchiness. Ensure each lid is well-checked before use.
What to do before pickling cucumbers
To make pickled cucumbers crunchy and full of flavour, it's worth following a few proven tricks. Soaking cucumbers in cold water with salt for several hours before placing them in a jar helps remove excess dirt and strengthen their structure. This makes them more flexible and easier to pickle.
When preparing cucumbers for pickling, use the right proportions of spices such as dill, garlic, or horseradish. Too much spice can spoil the taste and texture.
To maintain the firmness of cucumbers and avoid hollow insides, pack them tightly in the jar. This ensures they pickle properly rather than spoil. Do not cut off the ends before placing them in jars.
How to store pickled cucumbers?
Proper storage of pickles is just as important as their preparation. Although they may ferment at room temperature for the first few days, they should later be moved to a cool, dark place. A stable lower temperature helps preserve their quality and prevents the development of unwanted bacteria or mould.
