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.