Handcrafted pickles are a delicious way to add crunch and taste to your food, and they become much more memorable when kept fresh in our premium glass jars. There are many recipes available to try and make your own unique pickle combos, whether you're an experienced pickle lover or just inquisitive! 

At Freeman & Harding, our pickling jars are very popular for our customers, offering an air tight, easy to store solution for home pickling. Our team has come together to create a list of our top 5 favourite pickle recipes for you to try for yourself! 

What is Pickling? 

Pickling is a culinary art form that's as ancient as it is popular. At its core, pickling is the process of preserving food by either anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. This technique not only extends the shelf life of foods but also enhances their flavours, adding a unique tang and crunch that many find irresistible.

Pickling can be done with a wide variety of ingredients, and each culture has its unique take on it. From the spicy kimchi of Korea and the sour dills of Eastern Europe to the sweet chutneys of India, the range of flavours and textures in pickles is vast and wonderfully diverse.

Moreover, pickling isn't just about taste. It’s a form of food art that engages communities and generations. Families pass down recipes, and friends share their home-made batches, each jar telling a story of tradition and personal touch.

1. Classic Dill Pickles

Ingredients:

• Fresh cucumbers

• Dill

• Garlic

• Water

• White vinegar

• Salt

• Sugar

• Mustard seeds

• Peppercorns

Start by washing the cucumbers and cutting them into spears. Layer them in our 500ml glass jars with dill and garlic slices. Create a brine by boiling water, vinegar, salt, and sugar together, then add mustard seeds and peppercorns. Pour this hot mixture over the cucumbers, seal the jars, and let them cool before refrigerating. These pickles will develop their full flavour after at least 48 hours and are fantastic on sandwiches or as a standalone snack.

2. Spicy Korean Kimchi

Ingredients:

• Napa cabbage

• Korean red pepper flakes

• Ginger

• Garlic

• Fish sauce

• Sugar

• Spring onions

Kimchi is a beloved staple in Korean cuisine, known for its bold flavours and health benefits. Begin by chopping the cabbage and salting it to draw out moisture. Rinse the cabbage and mix it with a paste made from ginger, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce, adding red pepper flakes to taste. Pack this mixture into our sturdy glass jars and let it ferment at room temperature for a few days before transferring to the fridge. Kimchi is not only delicious but also packed with probiotics.

3. Sweet and Tangy Bread and Butter Pickles

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers

• Onions

• White vinegar

• Sugar

• Mustard seeds

• Celery seeds

• Turmeric

For those who prefer a sweeter pickle, Bread and Butter pickles are a perfect choice. Combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a pot and bring to a boil. Add thinly sliced cucumbers and onions, and simmer for about five minutes. Pack the vegetables into jars, pour the hot liquid over them, and seal. These pickles are ready to eat after chilling for 24 hours and are perfect for burgers or as a delightful side dish.

4. Indian Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achar)

Ingredients:

• Raw mangoes

• Mustard oil

• Fenugreek seeds

• Fennel seeds

• Nigella seeds

• Red chilli powder

• Turmeric

• Salt

Aam ka Achar is a bold and spicy Indian pickle. Start by cutting the mangoes into small pieces and mixing them with salt and turmeric. Heat mustard oil and add the fenugreek, fennel, and nigella seeds. Once cooled, mix the oil and spices with the mangoes and pack the mixture into jars, ensuring a tight seal. This pickle matures over several weeks and is often enjoyed with rice or flatbreads, bringing a burst of flavour to any meal.

5. Japanese Tsukemono (Quick Pickled Vegetables)

Ingredients:

• Choice of vegetables (e.g., radishes, cucumbers, carrots)

• Rice vinegar

• Sugar

• Salt

Tsukemonos are a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for their crisp texture and refreshing taste. Thinly slice your chosen vegetables. Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Toss the vegetables in the mixture and let them sit for a few hours in our smaller jars. These pickles are meant to be eaten fresh and offer a light, crunchy accompaniment to various meals.

Contact Freeman & Harding today for more information! 

To find out more, or to purchase your pickling jars directly from us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Freeman & Harding today! We’re here to help, and we can guarantee we’ll have a jar that suits your every need! Get in touch now!