Are you looking for some easy-to-make pickle recipes that are perfect for the winter season? Finding the perfect blend of spices and seasoning can be tricky, which is why the team here at Freeman & Harding have put together a list of our top three favourite recipes for pickling. Each of these recipes are perfect for gifts, selling as part of a business, or enjoying with a homely winter meal. For more information, contact Freeman & Harding now. 

The Perfect Homemade Gift

With winter just around the corner, it also means that a certain time of year is approaching quickly too. Christmas offers an excellent time to connect with friends and family, but although the allure of exchanging gifts is appealing, spending a lot of money on something special just isn’t possible for many in today’s economic climate. 

Don’t worry - at Freeman & Harding, we offer a wide range of high-quality glass jars and bottles. From pickling jars, to chutney jars, and jars available for wholesale, all of our jars are provided at affordable prices. So, save yourself some money and keep reading for some excellent winter recipes you can fill your new jars with to gift to your loved ones.

Spiced Carrot & Radish Pickles

These pickles bring together the natural sweetness of carrots and the peppery kick of radishes, enhanced with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves. They're ideal for adding zest to winter salads or served as a side with roasted meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 6-8 radishes, thinly sliced

• 250ml white vinegar

• 250ml water

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4-5 whole cloves

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a small pan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat until it boils, ensuring the sugar and salt have dissolved.

2. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and garlic to the hot mixture. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

3. Pack the carrot sticks and radish slices tightly into a clean jar.

4. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, making sure they are completely submerged.

5. Seal the jar and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. For best flavour, let the pickles marinate for at least 24 hours.

Cabbage and Beetroot Kraut

This tangy fermented pickle, rich in probiotics, is excellent for boosting winter immunity. The blend of cabbage and beetroot gives a vibrant colour and flavour, perfect for salads or as a sandwich topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 small red cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 large beetroot, peeled and grated

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

• 250ml filtered, non-chlorinated water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, grated beetroot, and sea salt. Massage the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables release their juices.

2. Add the caraway seeds if using, for added flavour.

3. Pack the cabbage and beetroot mixture tightly into a clean jar, pressing down to ensure the brine covers the vegetables, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

4. Add extra filtered water if needed to keep everything submerged.

5. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cheesecloth and let it ferment at room temperature for 5-7 days. Check daily, pressing down the vegetables to keep them under the brine.

6. When it reaches your preferred tanginess, seal the jar and store it in the fridge.

Citrus & Fennel Pickled Cauliflower

This bright and zesty pickle mixes cauliflower with fresh citrus zest and aromatic fennel seeds, offering a refreshing and crunchy bite perfect for winter platters.

Ingredients:

• 1 small cauliflower, broken into florets

• Zest of 1 orange

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 250ml apple cider vinegar

• 250ml water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 garlic clove, halved

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, ensuring everything dissolves, then add the fennel seeds, bay leaf, garlic, and citrus zests. Simmer for 2 minutes.

2. Place the cauliflower florets into a clean jar.

3. Pour the hot brine over the cauliflower, making sure the florets are fully covered.

4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.

5. Let the flavours develop for at least 2 days before enjoying.

Get in touch with Freeman & Harding now to find out more

If you would like more information on these recipes, or to enquire about our glass jar or bottle stock, get in touch with the team at Freeman & Harding today. We’re committed to helping you find the perfect glass jars or bottles for your needs.