3 Unique Craven County Sweet Pickle Recipes

When it comes to Southern cuisine, pickles often play a delightful role on the table, adding that quintessential touch of tang and crunch. Nestled in the coastal area of North Carolina, Craven County boasts a unique culinary heritage, with sweet pickles being one of its treasured specialties. In this post, we're exploring 3 Unique Craven County Sweet Pickle Recipes that promise to bring the flavors of this charming region right into your kitchen.

Recipe 1: Classic Sweet Pickle Slices

Ingredients:

• 5 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Pack the hot mixture into sterilized jars, ensuring to cover the pickles with liquid. Leave ¼ inch headspace.
4. Process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, then let cool on a towel for 12-24 hours.
5. Store in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks before consuming for optimal flavor.

🌟 Note: Sterilizing jars is crucial for safety when pickling.

Recipe 2: Spicy-Sweet Pickle Relish

Ingredients:

• 4 cucumbers, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped vegetables with salt and let sit for 2 hours to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse vegetables under cold water, drain well.
3. Combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the vegetables, cook on medium for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Scoop into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Seal with lids.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then cool for 24 hours.

Recipe 3: Cinnamon-Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds small pickling cucumbers, sliced
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons celery seeds
• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Layer sliced cucumbers with salt and ice cubes in a large bowl. Let sit for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Drain the cucumbers, rinse and then pat dry.
3. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Add cucumber slices, simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring they are just tender.
5. Transfer to sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace, and seal.
6. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes, let cool and store in a cool, dark place.

💡 Note: Use a mandoline for even cucumber slices to ensure uniform texture in your pickles.

By making these three unique pickle recipes from Craven County, you're not just cooking; you're diving into a slice of Southern culinary history. Each recipe offers a different twist on the classic sweet pickle, from the traditional and flavorful to the spicy and the cinnamon-kissed. Whether served as a side, condiment, or on their own as a delightful snack, these pickles bring a touch of North Carolina's coastal charm to your table. The variety of spices and preparation methods ensures that you can enjoy these pickles in many ways, making them a versatile addition to any meal or gathering. Let these sweet and savory creations transport you to the heart of Craven County, where the taste of history is preserved in every jar.

What type of cucumbers are best for pickling?

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Small pickling cucumbers like Kirby or Gherkins are ideal due to their firmness and fewer seeds, which help maintain crunchiness.

How long do homemade pickles last?

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Properly sealed and processed pickles can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2-3 months.

Can I use regular table salt in pickle recipes?

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While you can use table salt, pickling salt is preferred because it lacks iodine and anti-caking agents which could discolor your pickles or make the brine cloudy.