Pickling Cucumbers
Inventory, 20 lbs : 10.75
This item was last sold on : 11/06/24
Description/Taste
Pickling cucumbers are small and cylindrical, ranging from 5-10 centimeters in length. The outer surface is thin with pale green skin and light colored longitudinal stripes with some rough knobs. The inner flesh is succulent and crisp, snapping upon bending or biting even after canning and preserving. Pickling cucumbers range from mild to acidic depending on the variety and method of preserving.
Seasons/Availability
Pickling cucumbers are available year-round with peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Pickling cucumbers, botanically classified as Cucumis sativus, are members of the Cucurbitaceae, or gourd family. The term Pickling cucumber is not a single independent variety but encompasses dozens of varieties that are suited for pickling. Pickling cucumber varieties include Gherkin, Cornichon, Kirby, County Fair 83, and the Bush cucumber. Pickling cucumbers are often smaller, remain crisp when preserved, and have thin skins, an essential trait to create a smooth flavor and crunchy texture. The word "pickle" comes from the Dutch word, pekel, which means brine or salt. This description is fitting as brining is one of the most important steps in preserving Pickling cucumbers.
Nutritional Value
Pickling cucumbers provide vitamin C and healthy bacteria that prevent harmful microbes from growing in the intestines.
Applications
Pickling cucumbers are commonly used after preserving in vinegar, water, salt, sugar and a pickling herb spice solution. It is essential to slice the blossom end of the cucumber off before preserving because the blossom end contains enzymes that can over soften the pickle. Pickling cucumbers can be sliced, speared, diced, or whole and they can be eaten straight out of the jar, served with sandwiches and burgers, or blended to make a relish. In addition to pickling, non-bitter varieties can also be used in recipes that call for slicing cucumbers. Pickling cucumbers can be sliced and used as a salad ingredient, minced and used in creamy dressings, or chopped and used in salsas. Pickling cucumbers pair well with mint, dill, cumin, mustard, and fresh cheeses such as feta and cotija. Pickling cucumbers will keep up to a week when fresh and up to a month when preserved in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Pickling cucumbers have been used since ancient times for beauty, medicinal uses, and for strength in battles, but a more practical use arose out of a necessity to preserve aging crops. The preserving process kept the Pickling cucumbers from growing harmful bacteria and aging, so it could be used and consumed over a long period. Pickling provided families in cold European climates with food during the winter months and added flavor to the bland diet of potatoes and meat. It also provided European explorers food for long voyages and to help prevent scurvy.
Geography/History
Pickling cucumbers have been used for thousands of years and were first documented in the Tigris Valley in India in 2030 BC. The Industrial Revolution then brought about the mass production which allowed Picking cucumbers to become an international staple throughout agricultural and culinary landscapes. Today Pickling cucumbers can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| The Wise Ox | San Diego CA | 619-851-0672 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Burning Beard | El Cajon CA | 619-884-4716 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-5323 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | |
| Rose Café | Carlsbad CA | 310-399-0711 |
| Brine Time | El Cajon California | 619-495-1493 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
| Mabel's Gone Fishing | San Diego CA | 619-228-9851 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| The Plot Express (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-6846 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Pickling Cucumbers. One
is easiest, three is harder.
