The Joy of Pickling: How to Make the Most of Your Cucumbers

As the summer months approach, many of us are eager to get back into our gardens and start growing our own fruits and vegetables. One of the most popular items to grow is the humble cucumber, which can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches. But have you ever wondered what to do with those oversized cucumbers that seem to appear out of nowhere? Fear not, dear reader, for we have some exciting news for you: oversized cucumbers can be used to make a delicious and refreshing cold soup, perfect for hot summer days.

The Problem with Oversized Cucumbers

Many gardeners and cooks know the frustration of growing cucumbers that are too big to use in traditional dishes. Their large size and unusual shape make them unsuitable for pickling, and their tough skin and excess seeds make them unappealing to eat raw. But instead of discarding them, consider using them in the kitchen. These seemingly problematic vegetables can become the basis for delightful dishes like cucumber cold soup—a perfect soup for hot days.

How to Make Traditional Cucumber Cold Soup

Oversized cucumbers, often forgotten at the back of the fridge, can become an excellent base for cold soup. Their slightly refreshing taste goes perfectly with dairy products like kefir, buttermilk, or sour milk, and adding garlic and fresh herbs gives the soup character. To make traditional cucumber cold soup, simply add sliced cucumbers from your garden or the store into a pot of boiling water, then blend with your preferred dairy product and seasonings. For a more authentic flavor, use a combination of cucumbers and sour milk, which provides a tangy and refreshing taste.

Reusing Pickle Juice: A Game-Changing Hack

But what about the pickle juice that’s left over after you’ve finished a jar of pickles? Don’t throw it away! Hey Wanderer has a brilliant hack for reusing pickle juice: simply add sliced cucumbers or other vegetables into the juice and refrigerate for 24-48 hours. The longer the better for that pickle taste. You can also use the juice as a marinade or freeze it for a frozen treat.

The Benefits of Reusing Pickle Juice

Reusing pickle juice is not only a great way to reduce food waste, but it’s also an excellent way to create a sustainable and environmentally-friendly kitchen. By reusing the juice, you’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which produce toxins like methane. Additionally, reusing pickle juice helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new food products, which can help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, oversized cucumbers are not a burden, but an opportunity to create delicious and refreshing dishes. By using them in traditional cucumber cold soup or reusing pickle juice, you can reduce food waste and create a more sustainable kitchen. So next time you’re tempted to throw away that oversized cucumber or pickle juice, think twice and get creative!

Pickling: A Delicious and Sustainable Way to Enjoy Your Harvest