Yes, you certainly can put cabbage in pickle juice.
Repurposing leftover pickle juice is a popular and effective way to quickly pickle other vegetables, and shredded cabbage is an excellent option for this. The brine solution, which typically contains vinegar, salt, and various spices, acts as a preserving and flavoring agent for the cabbage, transforming it into a tangy, pickled treat.
Why Use Pickle Juice?
Using existing pickle juice offers a shortcut to creating new pickles. The liquid is already seasoned and balanced for pickling, infusing flavor into fresh vegetables quickly without needing to make a new brine from scratch. It's an easy way to reduce food waste and create tasty snacks or ingredients.
What Happens When You Pickle Cabbage in Pickle Juice?
When shredded cabbage is submerged in pickle juice, it begins to absorb the flavors of the brine – the tang from the vinegar, the saltiness, and the aromatic notes from any herbs and spices present in the original pickle juice (like dill, garlic, or mustard seed). The acid in the vinegar also helps to break down the cell walls slightly, making the cabbage softer and more palatable while preserving it.
The result is a quick-pickled cabbage with a zesty flavor profile, perfect for topping tacos, sandwiches, or adding to salads for an extra punch.
Other Vegetables You Can Pickle in Leftover Juice
According to sources discussing the reuse of pickle juice, shredded cabbage is just one of many vegetables suitable for this method.
Here are some examples mentioned:
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Beets
You can simply cut these vegetables into manageable sizes (like spears, florets, or coins) and place them into a jar filled with the leftover pickle brine. Ensure the vegetables are fully submerged.
Here's a simple overview of some options:
| Vegetable | Preparation | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Cabbage | Shredded | Toppings, Slaws |
| Cucumbers | Sliced, Spears | Snacks, Sandwiches |
| Carrots | Sticks, Coins | Snacks, Side Dishes |
| Green Beans | Whole, Trimmed | Snacks, Antipasto |
| Cauliflower | Florets | Side Dishes, Platters |
Placing vegetables like shredded cabbage back into a Fresh Crunch pickle jar, as suggested, is a practical way to make use of the flavorful liquid. Simply ensure the vegetables are fresh and the pickle juice hasn't been sitting for too long or developed any off odors or signs of spoilage.
Using leftover pickle juice for cabbage and other vegetables is a smart trick for easy, delicious pickles.
