Easy fermented pickles, no canning!

Easy fermented pickles recipe in just one jar! You don’t have to can or water-bath these in a canner! You can make cultured Lacto-fermented pickles at any time of year. Do you have extra dill, hot peppers, or garlic in your garden this year? Spicy fermented pickles can be easily made. Check out the below for more fermented pickles health benefits.

Fermented pickles health benefits

Fermented pickles are full of very good bacteria that are called probiotics which helps in digestion and helps the tummy stay healthy. Did you know that cucumbers are high in beta-carotene that turns your body into vitamin K and A?

Ensure you check your health if you are able to eat foods in salt brine since they are made high in sodium. You may try rinsing them before eating and see if they are less salty.

How long to ferment pickles?

How long to ferment pickles depends on your flavor buds and the temperature at the time of making the pickles. I usually do a 5-10day ferment then I put the fermented foods in cold storage in the summer. But since I make these all year long, jar by jar, in the winter it may sit the full 10-days on the counter.

Storing fermented pickles

Once you make fermented pickles and let them sit for 5-10 days on the counter, storing them is as easy as opening the fridge door. You do not process these fermented pickles. Just storing them in cold storage is all that is required. Just remove the glass weight, silicone, and linen cover (if using) and replace it with a spill-proof lid. (See the shop section for all links)

I would suggest eating the pickles within the first 4 months. If during this time any surface scum appears you will need to remove it. The compost will love you for it. But, if the mold is a fuzzy pink and smells offensive, ditch them all. Your senses should tell you if you want to eat it or not.

Gnats and fruit flies can be a nuisance with fermenting and making sourdough, read more about “How to control gnats and fruit flies naturally” HERE.

Spicy fermented pickles

Spicy fermented pickles can be made by adding hot peppers, onion, and garlic. Adding herbs will kick it up too if you like more spice in your pickles.

Fermenting foods with UV jars

I always make and store all fermented foods in UV jars. For one, I don’t want light filtering in the food on the counter and breaking down the vitamins. Second, I have a commercial glass door refrigerator that light is able to penetrate. I prefer amber UV jars over any jar out there.

Ingredients for fermented pickles

• 6-8 small seedless cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons of sea salt (little less if needed)
• 1 cup of filtered room temperature water
• Fresh or dried dill weed and or seeds (1-2 tablespoons)
• Spicy peppers, onions or garlic

Collect extra spices this summer to use in fermenting all year round, I have a whole blog post on “Drying herbs 101” HERE

Dust off the canning jars in your basement and attic and try your hand at fermenting, I promise you will love it!

Directions for making fermented pickles

• Dissolve the sea salt in the water (heating the water may be necessary) but cooled to use
• Scrub cucumbers, rinse well and pat dry **
• Slice the cucumbers to your liking (I prefer on the thick side-makes less mushy pickles)
• Add a little dill in the bottom of the jar (optional)
• Slice the cucumbers and add to the jar
• Top off with the sea salted water to within an ½ inch from the top
• Add a glass weight
• Place a silicone fermenting lid on with a metal band
• If not using the fermenting lid, use a glass weight and linen or cotton cover, tied tightly
• Leave on the counter 5-10 days
• Replace silicone lid with the lid of choice
• Refrigerate and enjoy
• Consume within 4 months

** You may find the blog “How to clean vegetables and fruit naturally” HERE.

Shop Here

We are a participant with the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You will not incur extra fees or charges for using the links. We only recommend items we believe in and have tried. If I personally make or sell an item, I will mention this in the post for each item.

Click on the Bar of Dish Soap to Visit Our Amazon Storefront!

Farmhouse veggie wash can be found on Amazon

Sea salt can be found on Amazon

Ball leak-proof storage lids can be found on Amazon

A veggie brush can be found on Amazon

24 pack flour cotton sack towels can be found on Amazon

Ball quart UV jars can be found on Amazon

Fermenting silicone lids can be found on Amazon

Fermenting glass weights can be found on Amazon

Adjustable slicing Mandolin can be found on Amazon