Pickling is Your New DIY Hobby: How to Pickle

No-one wants to get themselves stuck in a pickle… unless you’re getting stuck into the delicious kind! Whether you’ve spotted a few jars on your Instagram feed or you’ve got that one friend who won’t stop raving about their homemade pickled onions, one thing is for sure: pickling is in - and it’s the next DIY trend you really have to try

Pickling is actually super easy and rewarding, plus it’s an awesome way to preserve food and experiment with new flavors. If you’re ready to give it a go, let’s dive into how to pickle like a pro (or at least have fun trying!).

Why it’s Perfect for Beginners

Not exactly a chef in the kitchen? Don’t worry! You don’t have to be a master pro to start pickling, and that’s part of the appeal! The process is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and it’s pretty hard to mess up. Want something sweet? Add more sugar. Want some extra spice? Toss in a few chili flakes. It’s super flexible and you can craft your perfect jar of pickles with just a little experimentation. DIY pickling also costs way less than buying those fancy artisanal jars at the store. So, ready to stock your fridge with your pickled creations? Let’s get to it.

The Basic Science Behind Pickling

So, what exactly makes pickling such a magical process? Well, at its core, pickling is just a method of preserving food by soaking it in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and sugar. The acidic environment from the vinegar helps prevent bacteria from spoiling the food, while the salt adds flavor and helps with preservation. Sugar? That’s your secret weapon for balancing the tang with a little sweetness. And guess what? This simple science works wonders, giving you delicious pickled veggies that last for months (if you don’t eat them all first).

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Now that you know pickling isn’t rocket science, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The best part of this is you probably already have most of it in your kitchen! Here’s your quick shopping list:

• Fresh veggies or fruits (cucumbers, carrots, onions, or even fruits like peaches (not kidding!)
• White vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works)
• Salt 
• Sugar (white or brown for different tastes)
• Optional spices: mustard seeds, dill, garlic, peppercorns, or chili flakes
• Mason jars (or any clean, sealable jars)

Got it all? Great! Now for the fun part.

The Simple Step-by-Step Pickling Process

1. Pick your produce: Start by selecting fresh veggies or fruits - whatever you’re in the mood for. Cucumbers are classic, but carrots, onions, and even fruits work well too.
2. Prep your jars and ingredients: Give your mason jars a good wash in hot, soapy water to ensure they’re nice and clean. While they’re drying, chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the brine: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts vinegar and water, add salt, and sugar to taste (start with 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar per cup of liquid). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
4. Pack the jars: Carefully place your chopped veggies into the jars, making sure to leave a little room at the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some extra spices - peppercorns, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs.
5. Pour the brine: Once your brine is ready, pour it over the veggies in the jar, ensuring everything is covered. Seal the jars tightly.
6. Store and wait: Pop your jars in the fridge and wait. You can snack on some veggies after just a few hours, but they get even better after a couple of days.

Easy Recipes to Try

Need some inspiration for your first batch of pickles? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Quick Cucumber Pickles: Slice up some cucumbers and pack them with dill, garlic, and mustard seeds for that classic deli flavor.
• Spicy Pickled Carrots: Throw some sliced carrots into the jar with chili flakes, peppercorns, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a punchy snack.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste - don’t be scared to try something new. You really can’t go wrong!

You’ll Love Pickling!

Pickling isn’t just fun, it’s practical too. For one, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Got some veggies on the verge of going bad? Pickle them, and suddenly they’ve got a new lease on life! Plus, pickled veggies add a delicious, tangy bite to all kinds of dishes - sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards - you name it. And don’t forget, homemade pickles make super cute DIY gifts too.

And that sums it up -  everything you need to know to dive into the world of pickling. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying to whip up your own batch of yummy pickles at home. So why not give it a try this weekend? Whether you’re pickling for fun, to save some cash, or to create the perfect gift, you’ll quickly discover why this simple, age-old method is taking the DIY world by storm. Happy pickling!

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