FAQs

How long should I pickle for? 

That basically depends on what you pickle, but for most types of produce, they will be ready and delicious after only a few hours (which is generally speaking about as long as we're able to contain ourselves). That being said, you probably have to leave it in for 3-4 days until it reaches its optimum level of pickledness. One of the many significant upsides to pickling is also that it will only get better the longer you leave it (up to a point at least, see next question).

There are a few exceptions to the short pickling time. Sturdier produce, like potatoes and root vegetables need longer than your average pickling subject, and we would recommend giving these at least a week before you tuck in. 

Do pickles expire?

That is the beauty of preservation – not for a long time. You can enjoy your pickles for up to a couple of year if they are stored in the fridge using a sealed container. Although resisting pickles for this long has never been a problem we have faced!

Are pickles good for you?

Pickled produce can help to restore your electrolytes and of course offer the nutrients which are preserved in the chosen pickled vegetable. Fermented pickles have numerous gut health benefits as they are probiotic and therefore contain healthy gut bacteria that help your gut thrive. A healthy gut biome has positive outcomes for digestion, mood and memory! To read more about the health benefits of pickling, check out this blog post. 

Is pickle juice good for you?

Unfermented pickle juice is not necessarily nutritious however it does contain electrolytes and can be beneficial for you in a variety of circumstances. People often use pickling brine to aid cramps, menstrual pains and even as a hangover cure. 

Are pickles cucumbers?

Commonly, pickles refer to cucumbers, yes! But here at Sylt we encourage creativity when pickling, and truly believe that anything can be pickled with the right mindset. So when we speak about pickles, we simply mean anything that has been pickled. Why limit yourself to only cucumbers?

Are pickles fermented?

Sometimes. Our current flavours won’t lead to fermented veggies but watch this space.  

What’s the difference between pickling and fermenting? 

Pickling is the name given to food preservation either through fermentation or submersion in an acid such as vinegar. The latter technique kills bacteria to preserve the food whilst the former allows good bacteria to grow anaerobically, with the lack of oxygen preventing microbes from developing. 

Both preserve the food and both create a sour tangy flavor. Our pickling juice is vinegar based and is free of bacteria, in other words not fermented. However, watch this space for future products ;)  

How much pickle juice is too much? 

Ahhh, the age old question. We all love sipping on pickle juice and incorporating it into as many meals as possible but sometimes you might worry if you are taking it too far. If you experience stomach pain or diarrhea your best bet is to take it down a notch. We know it’s hard, but everything in moderation!

Is pickling fermentation? 

Pickled and fermented foods share the same tangy flavour but most pickles are not fermented. Their acidic taste is achieved through different processes. The difference lies in the pickling liquid. Whilst pickling soaks vegetables in an acid (usually vinegar), fermented foods are made when naturally occurring bacteria feed off the sugar in the food in anaerobic conditions. This allows them to grow without microbes forming and produces the vinegar-like taste we all know and love. 

Pickling preserves foods since the added acid kills bacteria and prevents additional growth of microbes. Fermentation preserves foods because the anaerobic conditions prevent microbes from developing. 

How much pickling spice should you use?

You need not worry about this one since we’ve done the hard work for you! Here at Sylt we have meticulously tried and tested our secret recipes to bring you the perfectly balanced, eclectic selection of pickling brines that we have on offer. Choose from our classic Dill & Mustard, spicy Scotch Bonnet & Sage, autumnal Spiced Apple with Cardamon, warming Chinese Five Spice or fruity Juniper & Sage.