How to Preserve Dill Pickles

Nothing is quite as crisp and tasty as a fresh cucumber right from the garden, unless, of course, it is a crisp dill pickle. Pickling cucumbers straight from the garden gives these dill pickles a burst of flavor and a crunchy texture that lasts all winter. If you have more cucumbers than you can eat, consider making a batch of delicious dill pickles so you can enjoy the fruit of your harvest all year long.

Things You'll Need

• 4 pounds pickling cucumbers 1/3 cup pickling salt 4 to 6 garlic cloves 8 sprigs fresh dill 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard seed 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 3 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon sugar 3 cups water 4 quart (or 8 pint) canning jars with seals and lids

Instructions

1. Pick cucumbers in the morning before they have been exposed to the hot summer sun for the crispiest and tastiest pickles.

2. Select young pickling cucumbers that are firm and green. Overripe or yellowing cucumbers make soggy pickles with large seeds. The ideal size is anywhere from 2 to 4 inches in length and no more than 2 inches in diameter. Whatever size you choose, try to keep the cucumbers fairly uniform.

3. Wash the cucumbers in cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth.

4. Make brine by adding 1/3 cup pickling salt to 2 quarts cold water. Mix to dissolve the salt. Soak the cucumbers in the brine for 8 to 10 hours.

5. Wash and sterilize glass canning jars, seals and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. Divide the garlic, dill and mustard seed between the jars. Remove the cucumbers from the brine, and pack them tightly into the jars.

6. Bring the vinegar, salt, sugar and water to a boil. Remove from heat, and pour over the tops of the cucumbers and spices, filling the jars to 1/2 inch from the top.

7. Place the seals and lids on the jars, and tighten them. Place the jars in a canner or large stock pot. Cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 20 minutes, keeping the jars covered with water at all times.

8. Remove the jars, and place them on a rack or a double layer of folded towels in a draft-free area to cool. Check that the jars have sealed properly. The tops of self-sealing jars indent when sealed. Check those with jar rings by attempting to open them. If they resist, they have sealed properly. Move them to a cupboard or shelf for winter storage.