LIME PICKLES

Lime Pickles image

Provided by ED

Time P1DT11h25m

Yield 100

Number Of Ingredients 10

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2 gallons water
2 cups pickling lime (calcium hydroxide)
7 pounds cucumbers, cut into chunks
6 cups cold vinegar
8 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons pickling spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon whole cloves
1 drop food coloring, or as desired

Steps:

Mix 2 gallons water and pickling lime together in a large bowl; add cucumbers and soak, stirring often, for 24 hours. Drain and thoroughly rinse cucumbers under cold water.
Fill a large bowl with ice water and soak cucumbers for 3 hours; drain.
Pour cold vinegar into a large pot. Mix sugar, pickling spice, salt, celery seed, cloves, and food coloring into vinegar until dissolved. Add cucumbers; let sit, 8 hours to overnight.
Bring cucumber mixture to a boil; remove pot from heat.
Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack cucumber mixture into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.
Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.2 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 26.2 mg, Sugar 16.5 g