It's the time of year for fresh cucumbers again! 

One of our favorite things to make with our fresh cucumbers at Empower School & Farm is pickles. Sure, it's easy to pick up a ready-made jar of pickles for the grocery store shelf, but there is nothing better than homemade pickles made of fresh cucumbers. The flavor is the best and the pickles are crunchy and yummy when made of in-season produce. Experience the difference for yourself with this delicious pickle recipe. 

Don't forget to come by our next market to get some fresh cucumbers, dill and other pickling ingredients!

• Pickling cucumbers: We have delicious, fresh pickling cucumbers that vary in size and texture at Empower Farm
• Fresh dill: This herb has a distinct aroma and flavor. It also is the herb responsible for giving dill pickles their signature taste.
• Vinegar:  You may use apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar
• Water
• Pickling salt: Use either kosher salt or pickling salt.
• Sugar: We prefer granulated sugar to balance the flavor of the pickles. 
• Pint-sized container (for example a plastic soup container or mason jar)

Instructions

1. Slice your cucumbers. You can cut the cucumbers in fun different shapes to make the pickles more exciting.
2. Pack a clean pint-sized container with sliced cucumbers, dill, leek, jalapeños and other ingredients you choose to add. Make sure to leave a 1/2 inch of space at the top of the container for liquid. 
   
3. In a small pan heat the vinegar, water, salt, sugar and other spices (like garlic) until the mixture comes to a simmer. Allow the salt and sugar to dissolve.
4. Cool the brine until lukewarm. Then fill the container covering all the ingredients with the brine.
5. Close the lid tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours before eating.

Final Notes

These pickles should last for two months in the refrigerator. Enjoy them on sandwiches, salads or on their own as a snack!