Different varieties of cucumber
Cucumber is a fruit similar to melon, watermelon, zucchini or squash, with a hard outer skin and a juicy interior. There are different types of cucumbers, such as short ones with small spikes or protuberances, and thinner and elongated ones. There are also varieties such as the French cucumber, ideal for gazpacho recipes, which has a smoother and darker skin, and the Japanese or English cucumber. You can use the variety you prefer to prepare your pickles.
Ingredients needed
To prepare pickled cucumbers, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cucumbers
– 1 onion
– 2 tablespoons grain mustard
– 2 bay leaves
– Pedro Jiménez vinegar
– Sal
– Sugar (optional)
Elaboration process
Here’s how to prepare pickled cucumbers quickly and easily:
Step 1: Clean the cucumbers
Wash and clean the cucumbers well. You can cut them into whole slices, in half, into quarters or into finer pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Drain the cucumbers
Place the cucumber pieces in a colander and add salt to taste. Allow to drain for approximately 45 minutes.
Step 3: Boil the vinegar
While the cucumbers are draining, boil the vinegar diluted in half a liter of water in a pot.
Step 4: Prepare the mason jars
Have the canning jars ready where you will store the pickled cucumbers. Add the drained cucumber pieces and add any aromatics you desire, such as bay leaves, onion, or mustard.
Step 5: Add the vinegar
Pour the boiling vinegar over the cucumbers in the preserving jars. If you wish, you can add a pinch of sugar dissolved in the liquid to soften the taste.
Step 6: Let rest and enjoy
Cover the jars and allow the pickled cucumbers to come to room temperature. Then store them in the refrigerator and you can enjoy them in a few days.
