Pickle Season is Here! 7 Delicious Ways to Preserve Your Market Haul
There’s something magical about summertime cucumbers — crisp, cool, and abundant.
If you’ve walked through the Narrowsburg Farmers’ Market lately, you’ve likely noticed the beautiful Kirby cucumbers piled high in the crates at Willow Wisp Organic Farm.
And what better way to celebrate this seasonal bounty than by making your own pickles?
Whether you're a pickle purist or a sweet-and-spicy rebel, there’s a recipe for you.
Homemade pickles are easier than you might think — most of these recipes don’t even require canning — and they’re a delicious way to extend the life of your produce.
So let’s explore some simple, flavorful, and wildly customizable ways to pickle the summer!
Recipes are compliments of some amazing food bloggers — be sure to follow your faves and support their delicious work! 🫶
Classic Crunchy Pickles
Try: Easy Homemade Pickles by Cookie + Kate
This beginner-friendly recipe uses basic ingredients you probably already have — vinegar, garlic, dill, and a hint of sweetness.
The result? That classic, tangy crunch we all love.
Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Dill-icious & Herby
Try: Dill Pickles by Love & Lemons
These refrigerator pickles are made with fresh dill, garlic, and mustard seeds — ideal for anyone who loves that sharp, savory dill flavor.
Bonus: They’re ready in just 24 hours!
Bread & Butter Pickles
Try: Bread & Butter Pickles by White on Rice Couple
Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, bread and butter pickles are perfect on sandwiches or straight from the jar.
These are a nostalgic favorite for many and a great gateway pickle for the pickle-wary.
Quick Sweet Pickles
Try: Sweet Pickles by Healthy Little Vittles
If you prefer your pickles on the sweeter side, this quick recipe is for you.
Apple cider vinegar and sugar give these cukes a bright, candy-like bite — without any artificial ingredients.
Spicy Garlic Pickles
Try: Spicy Pickles by Foodie Crush
Garlic lovers, this one’s for you.
These pickles pack a flavorful punch thanks to crushed garlic and red pepper flakes.
They’re bold, briny, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Sweet & Spicy Pickles
Try: Sweet & Spicy Pickles by In Fine Taste
The best of both worlds!
These pickles combine sweetness with just enough heat to make your taste buds dance.
Perfect for burgers, cheese boards, or snacking right from the jar.
Fermented Dill Pickles
Try: Fermented Pickles by Urban Farm and Kitchen
For those curious about fermentation, this traditional saltwater brine recipe is a great place to start.
No vinegar here — just the natural process of lacto-fermentation, which adds gut-healthy probiotics and deep, complex flavor.
Tips for Pickling Success
Use firm cucumbers: Kirby or pickling cucumbers are ideal — they hold up well and stay crunchy.
Slice to your liking: Spears, rounds, or whole — each shape changes the flavor experience.
Sterilize your jars: Even for fridge pickles, clean jars extend shelf life and preserve flavor.
Let them rest: Most quick pickles taste better after a day or two in the fridge.
Experiment! Add in carrots, radishes, jalapeños, green beans, or even watermelon rind.
Grab your cucumbers, dill, and garlic right at the Narrowsburg Farmers’ Market. You’ll be supporting local growers and turning your produce into something delicious you can enjoy all season long.
Happy pickling!