March 07, 2022 · By EvergreenNMarket

The Best Varieties of Cucumbers for Pickling 

Cucumbers are a popular choice for pickling because their mild flavor and firm flesh make them perfect for soaking up brine and spices. Whether you're new to pickling or a seasoned pro, there are several varieties of cucumbers that are well-suited for the task. In this article, we'll take a look at the best varieties of cucumbers for pickling, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the right cucumber for your pickling needs.

Kirby Cucumbers
Kirby cucumbers are small, bumpy, and typically dark green in color. They have a thin skin and are often used for pickling because they have fewer seeds and a firmer flesh than other varieties. Kirby cucumbers are also known for their crunchy texture and mild flavor, making them a perfect choice for classic dill pickles.

Persian Cucumbers
Persian cucumbers are long and slender with a smooth, thin skin. They have a mild flavor and are low in seeds, making them an excellent choice for pickling. Persian cucumbers are often used in salads, but their versatility also makes them a great pickling cucumber. They can be sliced into rounds or cut into spears for classic bread and butter pickles.

Gherkin Cucumbers
Gherkin cucumbers are small, typically no more than 3 inches in length, and have a bumpy texture. They are a type of cucumber that is specifically bred for pickling and have a very mild flavor. Gherkin cucumbers are often used to make traditional pickled cucumbers, known as cornichons.

English Cucumbers
English cucumbers, also known as hothouse cucumbers, are long and slender with a smooth, thin skin. They are low in seeds and have a mild flavor, making them an excellent choice for pickling. English cucumbers are often used in salads and sandwiches, but their versatility also makes them a great pickling cucumber. They can be sliced into rounds or cut into spears for classic pickles.

Pickling Cucumbers
Pickling cucumbers are specifically bred for pickling and have a small size and thin skin. They have a crunchy texture and a mild flavor, making them a perfect choice for classic dill pickles. Pickling cucumbers are also known for their high yields, making them a popular choice for home gardeners.

When choosing cucumbers for pickling, it's important to select firm, fresh cucumbers that are free of blemishes or soft spots. Cucumbers that are too ripe will be too soft and may fall apart during the pickling process. It's also important to choose cucumbers that are the right size for your jars. For example, smaller cucumbers like Kirby cucumbers or gherkins are best for making small batch pickles, while larger cucumbers like English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are better suited for making larger batches.

In addition to choosing the right variety of cucumber, it's important to consider the type of pickle you want to make. Classic dill pickles are made with Kirby cucumbers or pickling cucumbers, while bread and butter pickles are made with Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers. The spices and brine used in the pickling process can also impact the flavor of the pickles, so be sure to choose a recipe that suits your taste preferences.

Overall, the best varieties of cucumbers for pickling are those with a firm flesh and mild flavor, such as Kirby cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, gherkin cucumbers, English cucumbers, and pickling cucumbers. By choosing the right cucumber you are setting your pickles up for success, that is why we only use the freshest and best cucumbers for our pickles.