Making your own fresh pickles has never been easier. There are pickle makers now on the market, making the art of pickle-making easy to conquer. Fresh pickles are a raw food, rich in probiotics that promote good health. Some pickle makers also double as sauerkraut and kimchee makers. Here are some tips to help you make pickles with a pickle maker.
Instructions
1. Choose a cucumber wisely. Make sure you choose firm cucumbers that are the right size for the type of pickles you want to prepare. Small baby cucumbers are the perfect size for baby dill pickles while the larger cucumbers are better for sliced pickles. Medium-sized cucumbers are the best size for an old-fashioned deli style pickle. Check the cucumbers for any soft areas, holes or indentations. Either discard those or use them for sliced pickles; if used whole they will be soft.
2. Use the DZ Pickle Maker for a simple way to at home. The DZ Pickle Maker was developed by a fifth generation pickle maker to be used at home. The DZ Pickle Maker includes a pickle jar with a decorative burlap top, an inner and outer ring and a locking ring for the jar. Packages of brine come with the Pickle Maker and you can order extra at any time. To prepare pickles using the DZ Pickle Maker, wash the cucumbers well and pack firmly into the jar. Fill the jar only 3/4 full with pickles. Next, add the ingredients from your favorite pickle recipe, such as dill, garlic or a hot pepper. Add the package of brine mix and fill the jar with water, making sure the pickles are covered. Place the lid on tightly and gently turn the jar over 8 to 10 times to mix the brine and your ingredients. Set the jar of pickles on your kitchen counter or at room temperature for 7 days. You'll have delicious pickles, prepared by you.
3. Buy the Pickle and Kraut Maker for more exact timing. The Pickle and Kraut Maker has an airlock that is attached to the jar. The airlock will show bubbles while the cucumbers are becoming pickles. You'll know they are pickles when the bubbling stops. To prepare pickles, wash the cucumbers and fill the jar to the bottom of the neck, then add the ingredients of your favorite recipe; usually salt, garlic, spices and hot pepper. Next, cover the pickles with the enclosed inner cap that sits upside down in the neck of the jar. Cover the pickles and the inner lid with water, all the way to the top. The inner cap holds the pickles down in the water. Remove the plug from the lid; make sure you don't loose the plug. Screw the lid on tightly and look for water to come out of the hole. Water must come out of the hole for the Pickle Maker to work. If water doesn't come out, unscrew the lid, add more water and put the lid back on. Fill the airlock with water to the indicator line. Insert the airlock into the lid until it is flush with the top of the grommet. Place the jar of prepared pickles in a bowl or dish to catch any overflow. Store the pickles at 60 to 70 degrees for 4 days. After the 4 days, remove the airlock and put the plug back into the cap. Refrigerate and your own prepared pickles will last for months.
Tags: Pickle Maker, prepare pickles, with water, come hole, home Pickle, Maker, Kraut Maker
