Fructose Free Refrigerator Pickles
Crisp, tangy, and loaded with flavor, these refrigerator pickles are the kind of condiment that makes everything on your plate taste better. Managing fructose intake often means scrutinizing store-bought pickles for high-fructose corn syrup or sneaky sweeteners, but this brine keeps things clean and controlled. A small amount of maple syrup is used in place of refined sugar, providing just enough balance to round out the vinegar without loading up on fructose. The salt-and-drain step pulls excess moisture from the cucumbers first, so the brine stays bright and the slices stay satisfyingly crunchy. Fresh dill and scallion greens bring herby depth, while mustard seeds and black peppercorns add a gentle, aromatic kick that makes these taste far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. They come together in under an hour of active effort and only get better as they sit in the fridge overnight. Keep a jar on hand and you'll find yourself reaching for them on sandwiches, grain bowls, or straight out of the jar.
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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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