Yes, you can make pickles out of regular cucumbers.
While any cucumber can be pickled, certain types are better suited for the process and yield a preferable result. The key is understanding the differences between varieties and what qualities make a cucumber ideal for pickling.
Pickling with Different Cucumber Varieties
The reference states clearly that any cucumber can be pickled. This means the slicing cucumbers commonly found in grocery stores, often labeled simply as "cucumber," can indeed be transformed into pickles. However, the texture and firmness of the final product can vary depending on the cucumber type.
Why Pickling Cucumbers Are Recommended
The reference specifically notes that pickling cucumbers, often known as Kirby cucumbers, work best for making pickles. This is due to several characteristics that contribute to a crisper, more desirable pickle:
- Skin: They have bumpy, spiny skins. This texture is characteristic of pickling varieties.
- Wax: They are never waxed. Slicing cucumbers are often waxed to extend shelf life, and this wax can prevent the pickling brine from penetrating the skin effectively, leading to softer pickles.
- Texture: Their flesh is typically denser with smaller seeds compared to slicing cucumbers, which helps them remain firm when submerged in brine.
- Appearance: They range in color from pale yellow to dark green.
Using Other Cucumber Types (Including Regular)
While pickling cucumbers are the top choice for crisp pickles, other varieties, including "regular" slicing cucumbers, can be pickled. Be aware that pickles made from slicing cucumbers may turn out softer than those made from pickling-specific varieties due to their higher water content and thinner skins.
Another type mentioned in the reference is Burpless cucumbers, which are noted as the sweetest type of cucumber. These can also be pickled, though like slicing cucumbers, their texture might be softer.
To improve the outcome when pickling non-pickling varieties:
- Choose the freshest, firmest cucumbers available.
- Cut off the blossom end, as it contains enzymes that can soften the pickle.
- Consider using methods like ice baths or adding tannins (like grape leaves) to the brine to help maintain crispness.
In summary, don't hesitate to experiment with the cucumbers you have on hand, knowing that while specialized pickling cucumbers offer the best results, other types can still be successfully pickled.
