The Details on My First Attempt at Pickling

Dear reader,

Know that I write to you with contentment in the results—which are ongoing—of my first attempts at pickling.

However, I am new to the craft. I’m aware that there are mountains yet to be climbed, brines yet to be brined, and three jars of pickles in my fridge still in the process of pickling.

I’m hear to share the details as I sit in waiting because I, surprise, am as excited and impatient as I’d assume any first-time pickler would be—should be? I’m passionate about learning to pickle, my excitement and impatience is justified.

Confession: it’s only been 5 days since I embarked on this pickling attempt but I’ve tried the beets and the cabbage. While I was very pleased, I’m not settling for this initial attempt as being game over.

Let’s chat about the details of what I did and some notes I have for my second attempt:

First of all, I’m realizing I didn’t track how much water I poured into my jars. Basically I put all of the ingredients listed below into the jars, stuffed them with the vegetables, then filled the remaining space with water.

Here’s where note #1 comes in: Keep track of the details.

I’ve been doing a bit of (dare I say) research on the pickling process and am seeing a good rule of thumb is to ratio the vinegar and water in equal parts.

Note #2: Equal parts water and vinegar.

Also realized that sugar seems to be a trusted compliment to the saltiness of pickles. I only used a sweetener in one of my jars, the carrots.

Note #3: Use sugar. Don’t skimp on the maple… and maybe try some honey.

Finally, it’s time to face my rookie mistake.

Note #4: Be patient. Let the pickles pickle!!

Rosemary Garlic Beets:

1/4 cup vinegar

2 tsp salt

5 cloves garlic

2 rosemary branches 

Red Pepper & Garlic Cabbage:

1/2c + 2tbsp vinegar

2 tsp salt

3 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp red chili flakes

Maple Rosemary Carrots:

1/4c + 2tbsp vinegar

2 tsp salt

3 tsp maple syrup

1 rosemary branch

Like I said before, I’m happy with the flavors I’ve got going right now. In good logic, I trust that these things only get better with practice. One day I’ll look back at this post and laugh at how little I knew. For now, I’ll enjoy the learning process as I snack on my first ever batch. Upward and onward!