Grandma's Fermented Dill Pickles

Step 1

Trim the blossom ends off the cucumbers.

Step 2

Mix the icing solution using cold water, and let the cucumbers soak in the icing solution overnight (for 8 to 18 hours). Keep the cucumbers submerged in the icing solution by weighing them down with a dinner plate or bags of ice. If it’s really warm in your house, stash them in the fridge for the icing.

Step 3

Once you’ve set up the cucumbers for icing, mix the pickling brine ingredients (vinegar, salt, and water), bring them to a boil, and simmer until the salt dissolves.

Step 4

Divide the hot brine between two sterilized 1-quart mason jars and allow it to cool overnight.

Step 5

The next morning, drain the cucumbers from the icing solution and pack them into the brine-filled mason jars, along with the dill, horseradish, and mustard. Use a weight to keep the pickles below the brine and leave at least 1 inch of headroom at the top of the jar.

Step 6

Put a lid on the jar that will allow gas to escape while keeping out mold and other contaminants. (See the section above for different jar and lid options). Store the jar in a cool dark location.

Step 7

The pickles will bubble and ferment for 4-5 days, but leave them undisturbed until you are ready to eat them. The flavor is best if they ferment for at least 1 month, however, they will last in a cool, dark location for up to a year.