In Need of a GREAT Pickle Recipe

[Dumbo]

Is there a difference?

[kelly_m]

Uh.....absolutely!

We've already established that pickles could have shrinkage, depending on temps., may become soggy, and may have too many warts.


Now cukes OTOH, maintain their shape and size and firmness, and can continue to grow if given the proper handling.

[davefrombc]

A cucumber is a cucumber; but a pickle can be any one of many vegetables ( and some fruits) that find their way into a brine. A dill pickle is normally a pickled cucumber , but you can also pickle with dill, carrot, celery, and string beans.

I'll refrain from commenting further on pickle shrinkage in the cold and cucumber handling . I could end up in a pickle.

[Dumbo]

but a pickle can be any one of many vegetables ( and some fruits) that find their way into a brine.

You know... that cracked me up.

Kelly, can you please elaborate and comment further so that we may gain a deeper understanding?

[kelly_m]

Well...I don't have to go into detail about the pickle temps and shrinkage....you have done that nicely....

But all I am saying is that you water cukes, you give them a trellis...you don't go around whipping them around....Or you let them lay around on the fertile ground....pick when ripe. Cucumbers would maintain their firmness and grow in these conditions.

What did you think i meant????

[Dumbo]

What's your secret to knowing when they're ripe?

[kelly_m]

Well, Marc, there are many ways to know. Some will feel their firmness, others will check for warts, while others will make sure their ends are rounded.

What's your preference?

[Dumbo]

Hard to say. I just see them and take it. Big, small, thick, thin, weird shaped, it don't matter. I'm not fussy. Guess I don't have ripeness experience, or I just don't care.

Tomorrow is picking day so i'll have more. It's more than what I can actually use.

[kelly_m]

Wow! Maybe you'll be able to write a book. 100 Ways to Use a Cucumber......

At least you are not discriminating.....

[Dumbo]

um, no.
Bad Kelly. Back in the corner.