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–+ servings

Pickled Cucamelons (Sour Gherkins): Easy Refrigerator Pickles

Please enjoy our favorite quick & easy refrigerator pickled cucamelons, also known as Mexican Sour Gherkins. No canning necessary, though you can if you want. These pickled cucamelons are delectably tangy - and ridiculously cute to boot!
4.35 from 82 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Pickling Time (in the refrigerator) 7 days
Course Appetizer, Party Food, Preserved Food, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 1 quart jar

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 cups Cucamelons
  • 1 1/3 cups White vinegar
  • 2/3 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Sea salt, kosher or pickling salt
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
  • 6 sprigs Fresh dill (a small handful)
  • 2-3 cloves Fresh garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tsp Peppercorns, to taste (about a dozen per jar)
  • 1 tsp Mustard seed
  • 1 pinch Red chili flakes (scant 1/2 tsp), or 1 fresh hot chili pepper (optional)
  • 2 whole Grape leaves - substitute with horseradish, oak, or black tea leaves (optional, for maximum crispness)

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cucamelons. Avoid using bruised or damaged ones.
  • Add the fresh dill, garlic cloves, and other spices to the bottom of a clean quart jar.
  • Pack the cucamelons into the jar until full.
  • Prepare the pickling brine by combining the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan on the stove. Heat lightly until the sugar and salt dissolve, but then allow the brine to cool to lukewarm/room temperature before adding to the cucamelons.
  • Pour the brine over the top of the cucamelons until they are completely submerged. If you happen to run out, top off with plain white vinegar if needed. Add optional grape leaves on top now. Place an air-tight lid on the jar.
  • Refrigerate the jar. During the first 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, gently tip or shake the jar to wet/rotate the top floating cucamelons - ensuring even pickling and that no "floaters" become dry or moldy. Or, use a glass/ceramic fermenting weight to keep the cucamelons submerged instead.
  • For optimum flavor, allow the pickled cucamelons to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 week before digging in.
  • Enjoy your pickled cucamelons within 2 to 3 months for best quality and flavor. Maintain refrigerated at all times.
Keyword cucamelon pickles, pickled cucamelons, refrigerator pickles
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