Fermented Kosher Dill Pickles

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Fermented Kosher Dill Pickles.

1. Step 1

   Begin by pouring half a gallon of water into a spacious container or pot.

2. Step 2

   Loosely cover it and allow it to sit for 24 hours, giving any dissolved chlorine a chance to escape.

3. Step 3

   To enhance the crispness of your cucumbers, either refrigerate them or soak them in very cold water for an hour.

4. Step 4

   In a saucepan, bring one cup of water to a rolling boil, then stir in kosher salt until it fully dissolves.

5. Step 5

   Set this mixture aside to cool.

6. Step 6

   Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, removing any blossoms.

7. Step 7

   For larger cucumbers, quarter them lengthwise; for medium ones, cut them in half lengthwise; and leave gherkin-sized cucumbers whole.

8. Step 8

   Peel the garlic cloves and gently crush them, taking care not to break them into pieces.

9. Step 9

   Pour the cooled saltwater into a half-gallon mason jar, then add the cucumbers, garlic, dill, and dried chile peppers, arranging them in an appealing manner.

10. Step 10

    Pack the cucumbers tightly, as they will shrink during the pickling process.

11. Step 11

    Fill the jar with the dechlorinated water until the cucumbers are just submerged, being cautious not to overly dilute the brine.

12. Step 12

    Loosely cover the jar and place it at room temperature, setting it on a dish to catch any drips.

13. Step 13

    Allow it to sit undisturbed until fermentation begins, which typically takes 12 to 24 hours.

14. Step 14

    Once your pickles reach the desired level of fermentation—whether you prefer them new, half-sour, or fully sour—transfer them to the refrigerator in the brine, keeping the jar loosely covered.

15. Step 15

    Remember, refrigeration slows fermentation but doesn’t halt it, so keep an eye on the flavor to ensure it aligns with your taste preferences.

16. Step 16

    Enjoy the delightful journey of transforming fresh cucumbers into tangy pickles!.