If you are looking to make pickles from cucumbers freshly grown in your garden, read this article thoroughly. Don’t make the mistake that I made of making pickles from any cucumber, there are some varieties especially for pickling, some for snacking, and some for salad, go on and read this article to know what are the best cucumbers for pickling.

What kind of cucumber is best for pickling?

To make a crunchy, fresh pickle, look for these characteristics found in the best cucumbers for pickling-

• Thin outer layer for better absorption of brine
• Firm and dry flesh for a crunchier taste
• The smaller the cucumber better it is

How to Pick the Best Cucumbers For Pickling?

Look for these signs

• Small-sized numbers with are light to dark green in color
• Firmer and thin outer layer 
• Disease  free
• Shape that is more uniform for making pickle

Plant Sunflower: Radiate Joy in Your Garden

Some Best Cucumbers For Pickling Seeds

1. Boston pickling cucumber

Invest in specifically Boston pickling cucumber seeds if your main goal is pickling, it produces cucumber rapidly throughout the season, which have all the characteristics needed for a perfect pickle.

2. H-19 little leaf

It is small in size and produces a lot of small cucumbers sized 3-4 inches, perfect to fit the jar

3. Calypso

It has a high disease resistance, lowering the chance of damage and the skin is much firmer for a crunchier taste.

4. Kirby cucumbers

Are mini cucumbers good for pickling? They are small in size, less seeds and a firm layer, making them best for pickling, Kirby cucumber seeds are available with any gardener or nursery 

How Best Cucumbers For Pickling are Picked

Pick them at the right time when- 

• The cucumbers become bright yellow coloured, don’t wait until they become orange as that would mean they have over ripped
• The perfect and mature cucumber will be 2 to 3 inches in diameter
• Check for maturation by squeezing the cucumber, it should be firm but not too hard or too soft for that matter
• When you are tugging the cucumber from the stem, it should be easy, if you find it resistant then it might not be the time.

Best Pickled Cucumber Recipe

Let me share a recipe with you guys to make some best cucumbers for pickling and enjoy it to enhance the taste of any meal, don’t worry it is an easy one

Ingredients

• Take 4-5 fresh , firm  cucumbers  of kirby / boston or variety of your choice
• 1 tsp water 
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp salt and sugar
• 1 tsp black peppercorns for taste
• 1 tsp dill seeds
• 2 cloves of peeled garlic

Methods

• Make the brine by mixing water, salt, sugar and vinegar
• Place the freshly cut and sliced cucumbers in the desired shape in a jar with black peppercorns, garlic, and dill seeds at the bottom to make it last long
• Pour the brine into it
• Seal it
• Refrigerate it
• Consume after 24 hours

Enjoy these crunchy, tasty, and fresh pickles made straight from your garden, you can even sell these in-demand pickles if you develop this skill.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-

Q1. Can you use any type of cucumber for pickles?

Ans. No, every cucumber is unique in size, and texture, with no seeds, each one has a specialty. Some cucumbers with thin outer surfaces, fewer seeds, and small in size are used as pickles for the best taste.

Q2. Are English cucumbers good for pickling?

Ans. No, they are long, soft, , and will make a less crunchy version of pickles, but if that’s your taste its no harm in making them.

Q3. What are the best cucumbers for pickling by Reddit?

Ans. People love and mostly make  Boston, Kirby, and national pickling.