High Fructose Corn Syrup 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 drop of corn syrup anywhere near the jar. Most store-bought pickles sneak in high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, which makes the label-reading game genuinely exhausting ā this recipe sidesteps all of that by using maple syrup to balance the brine instead. The apple cider vinegar brings a slightly mellow, fruity acidity that pairs beautifully with the mustard seeds and black peppercorns, giving you layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. Salting the cucumbers first is the secret to keeping every slice satisfyingly snappy even after days in the fridge. Pack them into mason jars, pour over the warm brine, and within 24 hours you have a condiment that makes sandwiches, grain bowls, and cheese boards dramatically better. They keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, so one batch goes a long way.
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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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