Pickling spice mix is used in Pickling and lends tangy complex flavor to preserved foods. Pickling is the process of preserving or expanding the shelf life of food by fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. Foods that are pickled include meats, fruits, eggs, and vegetables. Pickling may also improve the nutritional value of food by introducing B vitamins.
Ingredients: Cinnamon, Yellow Mustard Seed, Dill Seed, Brown Mustard Seed, Allspice, Cloves, Coriander Seeds, Mace, Black Pepper, Bay Leaf, Cardamom, Chili Peppers, Ginger Root.
Simple recipe to make Cucumber Pickles: Pack 4lb sliced pickling cucumber into a sterilized glass jar. In a sauce pan put 3 cups of water, 2-3 cups vinegar, 1/4cup pickling salt, stir. Put pickling spice mix (1-2tsp per quart) in a cheesecloth spice bag, add to the mix and boil until all the salt dissolves. Discard the spice bag, strain and pour the brine mixture over the jarred pickles. Following safe canning processes, process in a water bath or store in the refrigerator.
