BHA & BHT Free Refrigerator Pickles
Crisp, tangy, and loaded with fresh dill and scallion, these refrigerator pickles deliver everything you want from a classic pickle without a single preservative in sight. That matters more than it sounds ā many store-bought pickles rely on BHA or BHT to extend shelf life, and tracking down a clean label can feel like a full-time job. Here, the preservation comes entirely from apple cider vinegar and salt, the way pickling was always meant to work. A touch of maple syrup rounds out the brine with gentle sweetness, while mustard seeds and black peppercorns add a subtle, aromatic depth that keeps every bite interesting. Salting the cucumbers first draws out excess moisture so the slices stay satisfyingly snappy rather than going soft in the jar. The whole process is straightforward enough for a weeknight, and within 24 hours you have two jars of bright, punchy pickles ready to pile onto sandwiches, burgers, or a charcuterie board. They keep for up to two weeks in the fridge, though they rarely last that long.
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Learn more āIngredients
8 servings
- 2 medium english cucumbers (about 1 Ā½ lb total), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Ā½ tsp black peppercorns
- Ā½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the jars
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 4 scallion green tops, cut into 2-inch pieces
Instructions
- 1
Toss the cucumber slices with 1 tsp kosher salt in a colander set over the sink. Let them stand for 10 minutes, then rinse briefly under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. This draws out excess moisture so the brine stays clear and the slices stay crisp.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, maple syrup, 1 tsp kosher salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and maple syrup are fully dissolved, about 2ā3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
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