Soak in this cucumbers before you start picking them. They will be perfectly hard and crunchy

Homemade pickling of cucumbers is a summer ritual in many Polish homes. However, not everyone manages to get the perfect effect. Meanwhile, the key to success lies in the proper preparation of vegetables before putting them in jars.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to get firm and elastic pickled cucumbers are their earlier hardening. What is this trick about? It is nothing but soaking cucumbers in very cold water, preferably with the addition of ice, for a minimum of 30 minutes before pickling.

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Dipping vegetables in icy water causes the skin to become more tense and the flesh is harder. Thanks to this cucumbers After fermentation, they maintain exceptional crunchiness. Just fill the bowl with cold tap water and add a few ice cubes to get the perfect conditions for hardening. It is this simple procedure that can decide about the success of the entire silage. Especially if you make preserves for the winter and you care about their durability.

In addition to hardening, the additions that we place in jars with cucumbers are also of great importance. The secret of the hard structure of the silage are Natural tannins – Chemical compounds that slow down the distribution of pectins and prevent vegetable softening.

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The most valuable add -ons include:

• Oak, cherry, vine or blackcurrant leaves. These are natural sources of tannins that have a preservative and strengthen the structure of cucumbers.
• Root or horseradish leaves. In addition to bactericidal action, they support the fermentation process and protect cucumbers from spoiling.
• Mustard. It affects the taste and promotes lactic fermentation, and at the same time helps maintain a hard consistency of silage.
• Garlic, dill, allspice. Not only do they give aroma, but also support pickling processes.
• Salt of the soda. This is the basis of every silage. It not only preserves, but also allows for the proper course of lactic fermentation.

Thanks to the right selection of additives, pickled cucumbers can maintain firmness for many months of storage.