Does it matter what kind of cucumbers for pickles?
Matthew Perez
Published Apr 02, 2026
Kirby cucumbers, which are small with bumpy skin, are the more popular choice for pickling. I prefer Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and have thin skin. If those are not available, I use English cucumbers (again, thin skin that is not waxy).
What is the difference between pickling cucumbers and regular?
Pickling cucumbers are shorter and bigger around than slicing cucumbers. They are bred to have thinner skins and black spines so the pickled product will look better. Pickling varieties can be eaten fresh and slicing varieties can be pickled, but the differences can be discerned by the average consumer.
Can you make pickles with store bought cucumbers?
That garlicky, dill-infused brine is still full of flavorand it’s still packed with enough salt to transform a whole new bunch of fresh cucumbers into pickles. Yep, every jar of store-bought pickles is also basically a do-it-yourself pickle kit.
Can I use salad cucumbers for pickling?
They are cucumbers especially suited to making pickles as their skins are especially tender. Grow them or buy them as they will give you the best results for your pickling efforts. Salad cukes are very much darker than pickling cukes.
Can any cucumber be used for pickles?
If you love pickles, you’ve noticed the varying pickling cucumber varieties. Some may be large and sliced lengthwise or in rounds and some are small and pickled whole. Pretty much any type of cucumber can be used for pickling, but true pickling cucumbers are different than heirlooms, slicers, or Japanese cukes.
What happens if you use regular cucumbers for pickles?
Slicing cucumbers, which includes English cucumbers, can be used for pickles, but you might get a softer pickle. Slicing cucumbers though always can be used in relish with no hesitation, where any softness won’t matter near as much. To help, you can make sure to chill cucumbers well before starting.
Can regular cucumbers be used for pickling?
Slicing cucumbers, which includes English cucumbers, can be used for pickles, but you might get a softer pickle. Slicing cucumbers though always can be used in relish with no hesitation, where any softness won’t matter near as much.
Do pickling cucumbers and regular cucumbers taste the same?
One of the main differences between cucumbers and pickles is the taste. Cucumbers are eaten fresh and raw. They are renowned for the plain but refreshing taste that is similar to melon thanks to their very high water content.
Can you pickle all types of cucumbers?
Although any variety of cucumber can be pickled, there are many varieties better suited to the process.
What cucumbers are best for pickling?
I like to use medium-to-small-sized Kirby cukes, says Brad. The Kirby variety has a thicker skin that can stand up to the pickling liquid, and remains crunchy, with a good snap, long after it’s been preserved. You wanna find cucumbers that aren’t too big or too small, says Brad.
Can you use regular cucumbers to can pickles?
You can pickle any kind of cucumber, but because of the moisture content in slicing and English cucumbers, they will be more mushy but they will still taste great.
Can you pickle cucumbers in store-bought pickle juice?
Kirby cucumbers, which are small with bumpy skin, are the more popular choice for pickling. I prefer Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and have thin skin. If those are not available, I use English cucumbers (again, thin skin that is not waxy).
Are pickling cucumbers different from regular cucumbers?
All you need are cucumbers and leftover store-bought pickle juice. Any brand works such as Vlasic of Claussen. You can also use any whether it is spicy, bread and butter, dill, or sweet. Whatever you like, save that pickle juice to reuse and make a small batch of quick refrigerator pickles.
Are salad cucumbers the same as pickling cucumbers?
All varieties of cucumbers can theoretically be used as salad cucumbers, also known as slicing cucumbers, or as pickling cucumbers. However, some varieties are much better suited for one type of preparation than the other.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
Pickling cucumbers are ideal because they are small and firm so they give that great pickle crunch. You can pickle any kind of cucumber, but because of the moisture content in slicing and English cucumbers, they will be more mushy but they will still taste great.
What happens if you use soft cucumbers for pickles?
If you start with a big ol’ soft cucumber, you’ll end up with big ol’ soft pickles. Always, always select the smallest, most firm cucumbers and leave the big soft ones out of the pickle jar. It’s a natural law of sorts if you are using ginormous, overgrown cukes for your pickles, nothing will turn them crunchy
Can you use normal cucumbers for pickles?
Slicing cucumbers, which includes English cucumbers, can be used for pickles, but you might get a softer pickle. Slicing cucumbers though always can be used in relish with no hesitation, where any softness won’t matter near as much.
Can you use store bought cucumbers to make pickles?
That garlicky, dill-infused brine is still full of flavorand it’s still packed with enough salt to transform a whole new bunch of fresh cucumbers into pickles. Yep, every jar of store-bought pickles is also basically a do-it-yourself pickle kit.
Can I use salad cucumbers to make pickles?
Kirby cucumbers, which are small with bumpy skin, are the more popular choice for pickling. I prefer Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and have thin skin. If those are not available, I use English cucumbers (again, thin skin that is not waxy).
What is the difference between pickling and regular cucumbers?
Pickling cucumbers are shorter and bigger around than slicing cucumbers. They are bred to have thinner skins and black spines so the pickled product will look better. Pickling varieties can be eaten fresh and slicing varieties can be pickled, but the differences can be discerned by the average consumer.
Can you substitute regular cucumbers for pickling cucumbers?
Slicing cucumbers, which includes English cucumbers, can be used for pickles, but you might get a softer pickle. Slicing cucumbers though always can be used in relish with no hesitation, where any softness won’t matter near as much. To help, you can make sure to chill cucumbers well before starting.
Is there a difference between cucumbers and pickling cucumbers?
Pickling cucumbers are shorter and bigger around than slicing cucumbers. They are bred to have thinner skins and black spines so the pickled product will look better. Pickling varieties can be eaten fresh and slicing varieties can be pickled, but the differences can be discerned by the average consumer.
Do pickles and cucumbers taste the same?
Cucumbers have a plain, watery taste while pickles can have a sour taste. 3. Cucumbers are natural but pickles are better.
What does a pickling cucumber taste like?
Their taste is often much sweeter than other types of pickle, due to the sweeter brine they are marinated in, but they differ from sweet pickles in that they are spiced with coriander and other spices.
What types of cucumbers can be pickled?
Best Pickling Cucumber Varieties
- Boston Pickling. A very popular heirloom variety, this one is famous for its distinctive short cucumbers, with really crisp flesh, and thin skin.
- Calypso.
- Eureka.
- Jackson.
- Sassy.
- Homemade Pickles.
- Northern Pickling.
- National Pickling.
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