Preserving recipe

Fermented Dill Cucumbers

Crisp cucumbers in brine with dill and garlic. A classic ferment without vinegar.

Fermented Dill Cucumbers
Preparation
35 min.
Cooking time
-
Servings
16
Jars
4
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

For about 16 portions / 4 jars with 4 portions each:

2 kg small firm cucumbers
2 l water
50 g salt without iodine and without anti-caking agents
8 garlic cloves
4 dill sprigs or 4 tsp dill seeds
2 tsp mustard seeds optional
4 small bay leaves optional

Important:
The cucumbers must stay completely below the brine.

Method

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and remove damaged areas.
2. Trim off the blossom ends of the cucumbers.
3. Stir the water with the salt until the salt has fully dissolved.
4. Divide the garlic, dill and optional spices between the clean jars.
5. Pack the cucumbers tightly into the jars.
6. Cover with brine and weigh down so everything stays below the brine.
7. Do not fill the jars to the rim, as pressure builds up during fermentation.
8. Leave to ferment at room temperature and check daily.
9. When the flavour and acidity are right, store in a cool place.
10. Before eating, check that smell, colour and texture are normal.

Storage

Store at room temperature during fermentation. Afterwards keep cool and dark. Store opened jars in the refrigerator.

Shelf life

Usually keeps for 1 to 3 months when refrigerated, if the cucumbers were processed cleanly and remain under the brine.

Safety note

This recipe is a lactic acid fermentation without vinegar and is not a shelf-stable preserve for unrefrigerated storage. Do not dilute the brine strongly. Cucumbers must always remain under the brine. Discard if there is mould, a rotten smell, slimy brine or strong gas formation with an unusual smell.