Lime Pickles

Lime Pickles
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    5 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    35 hrs 25 mins
  • SERVING
    100 People
  • VIEWS
    21

Transform ordinary cucumbers into tangy jewels with this lime pickle recipe. The bright, citrusy flavor perfectly complements rich dishes like ham or grilled pork, creating an addictive condiment you'll want to keep stocked year-round. Patience is key, but the reward is well worth the wait!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    17 g
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    0 g
  • Sodium
    26 mg
  • Sugar
    17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Day 1: In a large, non-reactive bowl, combine 2 gallons of water and 2 cups of pickling lime. Add the cucumber chunks and stir well to ensure they are fully submerged. Soak, stirring occasionally, for 24 hours. This process helps to crisp the cucumbers. (Active time: 15 minutes, Inactive time: 24 hours)

02

Step

Day 2: Drain the cucumbers thoroughly and rinse them under cold running water until all traces of the lime are gone. (Active time: 20 minutes)

03

Step

Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Add the rinsed cucumbers and soak for 3 hours to further enhance their crispness. (Active time: 5 minutes, Inactive time: 3 hours)

04

Step

In a large, stainless steel pot, pour in the 6 cups of cold vinegar. Add the sugar, pickling spice, salt, celery seed, cloves, and food coloring (if using). Stir until the sugar and spices are completely dissolved. Add the soaked and drained cucumbers to the vinegar mixture. Let them sit for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. (Active time: 10 minutes, Inactive time: 8-12 hours)

05

Step

Day 3: Bring the cucumber mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the pot from the heat. (Active time: 20 minutes)

06

Step

Prepare your canning equipment: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for at least 5 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to fill. (Active time: 15 minutes)

07

Step

Carefully pack the hot cucumber mixture into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Use a clean knife or spatula to release any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean seal. Top with lids and screw on the rings until fingertip-tight. (Active time: 30 minutes)

08

Step

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil. Gently lower the filled jars into the boiling water using a jar lifter, ensuring there is at least 1-2 inches of water above the tops of the jars. Process for 15 minutes, maintaining a rolling boil. (Active time: 10 minutes, Processing time: 15 minutes)

09

Step

Carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. Allow the jars to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours. As they cool, you should hear a 'pop' sound as the lids seal. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, it's properly sealed. (Active time: 5 minutes, Inactive time: 12-24 hours)

10

Step

Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before opening to allow the flavors to fully develop. Once opened, refrigerate.

For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers.
Pickling lime is essential for crisp pickles. Do not substitute.
Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Use caution when working with pickling lime as it is caustic. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Ensure proper sterilization and processing to prevent spoilage.
The soaking process helps to remove excess moisture from the cucumbers, resulting in a crisper pickle.

Marco Gutkowski

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.6/ 5 ( 7 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
  • Shemar West

    This recipe is a keeper! Thank you for sharing.

  • Haley Schowalter

    The overnight soaking in the vinegar mixture really makes a difference. The flavors are so well-developed.

  • Aryanna Lynch

    These pickles are amazing! The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. I can't wait to make another batch.

  • Vivienne Hettinger

    I was a little intimidated by the pickling lime, but the instructions were clear and easy to follow. My family loves these pickles!

  • Scot Torp

    I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. They were a huge hit!

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