How to Make Kosher Dills That Will Last All Year (2024)

I've paraphrased Ferris Bueller's Day Off before, and I'll do it again (probably many, many times): Summer moves pretty fast, if you don't stop to pickle something, you could miss it. And if you've never put up classic dill pickles before, this is the time to tackle the task (that's canners' lingo for pickling and storing: to put up).

Of course you could make quick pickles any night of the week, any week of the year. But when fresh produce is in season, it's more flavorful—cheaper, too. So right now, when farmers' markets are abundant with colorful, crisp fruits and vegetables, it's the time to take a weekend to learn how to can pickles. That way, you can enjoy those same fruits and vegetables a few months from now, when nothing is sprouting out of the ground.

The recipe we're using is a pretty basic one for kosher dill cucumber pickles—so called not because of any religious affiliation, but because they're made in the style of New York kosher delis, characterized by the addition of garlic. You could really use the same method for whatever vegetable you have on hand: zucchini would be great—or carrots or green beans. For today though, let's keep it classic. Here's how to make and can dill pickles:

1. Fill a large pot with hot water

Obviously, if you have a canning pot with a fitted rack, use it here. Otherwise you can hack it with a large stock pot. To do so, you will also need something to lift the glass canning jars off the bottom of the pot. You could use a round metal cooling rack, if you have one that fits neatly (and flat) in your stock pot. No canning pot or cooling rack? Scrunch a long piece of aluminum foil into a snake and then curl it into a spiral to fit in the bottom of your stock pot. Make the spiral loose enough so that water can circulate between the coils, but tight enough so that the canning jars can sit upright on them without tipping over. Finally, the pot should be tall enough so that you can fill it with water to at least one inch higher than the filled jars.

2. Submerge canning jars in the hot water and bring to a boil

For this recipe, you can use either 2 quart-sized jars or 4 pint-sized jars. You can easily double the recipe to make 4 quart jars or 8 pint jars if you'd like—just double the recipe below. Quart jars will easily fit whole pickles or spears, while pint jars are better suited to pickle chips. Arrange the jars (without their lids or rings) on a rack or your makeshift foil coil and add enough hot water from the tap to cover them by one inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, and immediately turn the heat off. Leave the jars submerged until ready to use them.

How to Make Kosher Dills That Will Last All Year (2024)

FAQs

How do you make pickles for long term storage? ›

Here are five steps to successful pickling:
  1. Clean and slice your cucumbers into uniform pieces.
  2. Place them in a large pot and cover with vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
  3. Bring to a boil then simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Pour the hot pickles into jars or containers.
  5. Seal with lids or canning rings.

How long will homemade dill pickles keep? ›

How long do refrigerator pickles last? Homemade refrigerated pickles last at least three to four weeks in the fridge, McClellan says. Any longer and the quality will start to decline. You'll notice the brine goes from clear to murky and cloudy, and the pickles start to lose their texture.

How do you preserve dill pickles? ›

Fully fermented pickles may be stored in the original container for about 4 to 6 months, provided they are refrigerated and surface scum and molds are removed regularly. Canning fully fermented pickles is a better way to store them. To can them, pour the brine into a pan, heat slowly to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes.

How long can you keep kosher dill pickles? ›

"As long as the pickles are kept cold, they can last upwards of 75 days unopened in the fridge," Andre shares. Once opened, any pickles should be stored in the fridge, submerged in brine, to maintain freshness for at least up to three months, according to the USDA.

How can we preserve pickles for a longer time? ›

Salt is added to preserve pickle for a long time. Common salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride.

What is the best material to store pickles in? ›

It is advised to make your pickle live long, use glass and other nature-friendly materials. Glass has been a popular choice over the years. They are found in many colours and sizes. Here are some advantages of using glass as a choice for storing different types of pickles.

Can you vacuum seal dill pickles? ›

Vacuum-sealing is also a good way of quick pickling – it simplifies everything from kosher dills to Peter Piper's preferred pimientos. With traditional canning, jam and pickles become shelf-stable after processing in a water bath or pressure canner.

What is the best way to store pickles? ›

Store processed pickles in a dark, cool, dry place. For best quality and nutritive value, preserve no more than your family can consume in 12 months.

Can pickles last 10 years? ›

How Long Do Canned/Jarred Pickles Last? Unopened canned/jarred pickles will last indefinitely.

Can you store pickles without juice? ›

Pickles that stay fully submerged in their brine, aka pickle juice, are less likely to spoil. Help pickles last even longer by reaching into the jar with a clean fork every time you want a crunchy snack, then screwing the lid on tight when you're done.

Why don't pickle jars say pickle? ›

Olive all use the term on their websites, in advertisem*nts, and in the product descriptions of their pickle varieties. When asked why the word isn't on the front of the jars, all three companies provided nearly the same answer: They feel the word “pickle” isn't necessary on pickles packaged in clear glass containers.

How does vinegar keep pickles fresh? ›

Package the vegetables and liquid into jars, cover them in the remaining hot vinegar solution and can them. Either way, the vinegar's acetic acid will increase the the vegetables' acidity and kill off any existing microorganisms, which will help prevent prevent short-term spoilage.

Do you have to pressure cook pickles? ›

The acidity level of the items you're canning will determine whether you use a water-bath canner or a pressure canner. Foods with a high acidity level, such as pickles and jams, can be canned in a simple pot of boiling water, known as a water-bath canner.

How do you can pickles so they stay crisp? ›

Add Tannins

Adding natural tannins such as grape leaves, black tea, or oak leaves can delay the softening process and keep your pickles firm. This is entirely optional and only works if your cucumbers aren't already soft.

How to pickle cucumbers for long shelf life? ›

The Pickling Process

In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and vinegar. Add kosher salt and sugar to the mixture and bring it to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Place garlic, dill, and peppercorns at the bottom of each storage jar. Then, tightly pack the cucumber slices into the jars.

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