Fermented Cucumber Pickles

Made the traditional way, by allowing cucumbers to ferment in a saltwater brine.

Ingredients (For 2):

1/2 gallon unwaxed pickling cucumbers, approximately 2-3 pounds
2-3 heads flowering dill
4 large bulbs garlic
4 tablespoons sea salt
2 quarts filtered water (you may have extra brine-save it in the refrigerator for another ferment)

Rinse the cucumbers well to remove any dirt or debris (trim away any stems or flowers that might still be connected).
If you’re using cucumbers that aren’t freshly picked, place in your sink or a large bowl with ice cold water. Let set 20-30 minutes. This will crisp them up.
Peel the garlic, and drop it into your fermentation vessel. Then, add the pickling cucumbers and dill.
Create a brine by mixing the salt into the water and stirring until the salt dissolves completely (can be made ahead of time). Pour the brine over the cucumbers, weighting the cucumbers down if needed, and completely submerging all the ingredients. An airlock can also be used to keep air out and inhibit mold.
Allow the cucumbers to ferment for at least 1 week and up to 1 month at room temperature. Taste them every few days, until they achieve the flavor and sourness you like. When ready, remove weights and/or airlock, seal with a tight lid, and refrigerate.

Can be stored 6 months to a year (really longer, if it molds-throw it out!)

Garlicky Kraut I don’t steer too far from the norm when it comes to sauerkraut, but I do love garlic...

Kicking it Making Kimchi Kimchi can have many, many versions of itself…its origin is known to be Korea, and I...

Wakey Wakey Water Kefir Grains Water Kefir Grains are by far one of the easiest (and most fun) cultures I have...

Monkey Bread: Deliciously Sticky Gooey Gluten-Free Sourdough Blobs Awhile back a friend brought to a party something called “monkey bread”...

Caring For Water Kefir Grains: Fermentation Do’s and Don’ts Water kefir grains are a type of symbiotic culture of bacteria...

Water Kefir Ingredients Water Kefir is one of the easiest cultured drinks to make. In addition to the grains, all you...

Troubleshooting Your Water Kefir Grains Your Water Kefir Grains might give you a run for your money (and patience) now and...

Water Kefir: Pop and Fizz! The second fermentation is a step many don’t realize needs to happen before you can get...

Sourdough Coconut Biscuits These are the tastiest little “biscuits” made from a gluten-free starter. Be warned, it can get very sour, so...

MA 11 + Animal Rennet = Chevre Cheese-a-licious! Making your own homemade Chevre is rewarding and delicious. If you haven’t...