Get to grips with a fun new skill at home and try pickling your favourite fruit and veggies. We have all the information you need to get started, including classic recipes and delicious modern twists.

Advertisement

Despite what you might think, you don't need lots of specialist equipment and expert know-how to get started with pickling. You probably have what you need at home in your storecupboard. Most pickles are made by soaking (mostly) raw, fresh ingredients in a vinegar-based brine with sugar and salt, flavoured with spices and herbs.

You can pickle ingredients for days or months, and transform everyday ingredients into something special. Add some crunch to your favourite sandwiches, a stunning charcuterie platter or an epic bbq burger with our favourite recipes.

Check out even more foodie projects and lockdown inspiration to expand your skills in the kitchen.


Best pickling recipes

Top pickling tips

  • Always use the freshest veggies possible to retain that all important crunch.
  • Experiment and have fun to find your new favourite spice combinations. A sprinkling of chilli, a spoonful of mustard or a couple of kaffir lime leaves go a long way.
  • Use kosher, sea or pickling salt rather than normal table salt, which contains caking agents such as iodine, which can cloud the brines and inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria during fermentation.
  • You can also add flavour to your vinegars or brine by adding things like elderflower, shiso, liquorice or pineapple weed.
  • Garlic can turn blue during brining, don't panic! It won't harm the pickle.

Pickle recipes to try at home

Pickled beetroot

Pickling seasonal vegetables is a great way to prolong the season and heighten the flavour of fresh produce. Beetroot is at its best from July to October, so try this recipe when you get the chance.

More like this
two kilner jars on a wooden board filled with deep red beetroot

Sauerkraut

Turn your hand to making a jar of sauerkraut, a popular European fermented product made from cabbage. Add it to a salad or sandwich or eat it on its own.

Tall glass container filled with sauerkraut

Easy pickled veg

The best recipe for pickled vegetables and also the simplest. We've used leeks, carrots, radishes and fennel, but you can experiment with what you've got. This simple recipe can be made in just 20 minutes and left until needed – crunch guaranteed.

2489

Dill pickles

Kick off your pickling adventures with a classic; the dill pickle. No burger would be complete without a few of these garlicky beauties. They also work well with salt beef or as part of a charcuterie board. It takes around a week for these cucumber slices to soak up all the flavours of the brine.

Quick Dill Pickle Recipe

Marinated pickled cucumber

This is a great Scandinavian pickled cucumber accompaniment for a ham centrepiece or a side of salmon (try our gravadlax) that only takes minutes to make. An essential part of any smorgasbord.

marinated pickled cucumber

Turmeric pickled eggs

Revamp a retro classic and add some oomph to your lunch with these pickled eggs – the turmeric, mustard, coriander and pepper make a delicate blend no one could resist.

Inject your meals with more nourishing spices with our best turmeric recipes, from comforting curries to salads bursting with seasonal flavours.

Quick Turmeric Pickled Eggs

Chilli pickled radishes

We recommend making a couple of jars of these fiery pickled radishes – they're sure to disappear quickly. Serve them with a selection of cheeses and cured meats or a super smooth pâté.

Fill your plate with even more easy radish recipes and make the most of this seasonal star.

RADISHES

Pickled cherries

Dark, juicy and literally bursting with flavour, our pickled cherries recipe is the perfect way to preserve these fabulous fruits. This quick pickle is the ideal balance of sweet cherry flavour and sharp white wine vinegar. Try them with salads, roast pork or a charcuterie selection.

Bake spectacular tarts, pies and pastries with our easy cherry recipes.

Pickled Cherries in a kilner jar served on a wooden board with ham and bread

Pink pickled rhubarb with ginger

This jar of vibrant pickled rhubarb is super-quick to make and can be a great gift for your foodie friends. Serve with oily fish like mackerel or cold meats and cheeses.

Try your hand at our easy rhubarb recipes for delectable sweet and savoury ideas.

Pickled Rhubarb Recipe with Ginger

Spiced pickled shallots

A traditional pickled onion is a thing of beauty. If you like a very crunchy shallot, feel free to break these open after 10 days of pickling, but 3-4 weeks will give you a more traditional texture. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift for fellow food-enthusiasts.

Spiced Pickled Onions Recipe

Pink pickled turnips

If you're putting together a spread of dips, breads and small bites, our vibrant pink pickled turnips are a must-try. Believe us when we say they taste as good as they look. Serve with warm flatbread, a slathering of hummus and maybe a chilli or two.

From simple starters to hearty mains, our easy turnip recipes truly make the most of this delicious root veg.

Pink Pickled Turnips Recipe

Pickled peaches

Pickling is an easy way to preserve fruit, like peaches. This simple recipe, served with Italian whipped cheese, is quick and makes the best lunch or posh snack for sharing with friends and family.

Advertisement

Make the most of British summertime fruit and dive into our best peach recipes. They work well in sweet and savoury dishes alike.

Pickled Peaches Recipe with Whipped Cheese

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement