Step 2: Make the Brine
It’s what seasons and preserves; without brine your veg will never graduate to pickle status. A good one has the proper ratio of vinegar, salt, sugar, and water. Use this BA-endorsed formula for everything from dilly beans to tarragon-pickled purple cauliflower (the aromatics are where you can get creative): Bring 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 2 Tbsp. kosher salt, 2 tsp. sugar, up to 2 Tbsp. spices (e.g., peppercorns, coriander seeds, and/or mustard seeds), and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Pour over vegetables in jars.
Think Small(er)
There’s no rule against pickling produce whole, but it will absorb the brine faster if cut into pieces.
Look Beyond the Classics
We love kosher dills, but there’s a world of produce out there! Corn off the cob, pitted cherries, watermelon rind, and brussels sprouts are just a few examples of the territory waiting to be explored.