author: IRENA FRACZEK

 

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Summer is coming to the end and many gardeners and farmer market shoppers are already in the midst of preserving fruits and vegetables for winter. Cucumber vines bear fruit all summer long (yes, botanically speaking, cukes are fruits and not veggies) but the early August crop is the best for pickling.

It was a long way for cucumbers to reach Poland. Cultivated for over 4,000 years, the cucumber plant first spread from native India to China, the country still producing over 75% of the world's crop. The plant arrived to Europe via ancient Greece but it was the Romans who left behind numerous descriptions of its cultivation and conservation methods. Their favorite, pickling in salty brine (believed to originate either in China or Mesopotamia), spread through and beyond the vast expanse of the Roman Empire. Interestingly enough, the oldest archeological evidence of its use in Europe comes from Kraków and dates back to somewhere between A.D. 650 and 950.

Over 90% of cucumber crop in Poland (the 10th largest producer in the world) is preserved and the main difference between two major techniques used for this purpose is the use of vinegar. The most popular is the older, vinegar-free, salty-brine pickling technique that relies on the lacto-fermentation. In this process, friendly anaerobic bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and molds. The second method is used in Poland since the XVIII-XIX century and takes advantage of the vinegar's conserving properties.

Pickles made using these methods taste differently and have distinct names in Polish. Cucumbers treated with vinegar are called ogórki konserwowe or korniszony. Some people, though, reserve the second name for the very tiny vinegar pickles. Others use it only for pickles produced with a mix of both methods (salty brine soak before the vinegar finish).

Cucumbers fermented in salty brine are called ogórki kiszone or ogórki kwaszone. But read the fine print on commercial products because the second name might be used to describe a lower-quality pickles obtained by adding acid to artificially stop the fermentation process (the natural fermentation process takes about 2-3 weeks and comes to the end all by itself when the level of acidic components reaches 1.4-1.7 percent). Last but not least, ogórki małosolne (low-salt cucumbers) are basically a sweeter version of ogórki kiszone consumed after the first 2-4 days into the fermentation process.

Poles enjoy pickling cucumbers so much that competitions are held in various communities over the summer. Take for example Zielona Góra, where such contest became an annual attraction. Every summer, people gather to watch the pickling process and then two weeks later, to sample and judge the results (click here for video and photos). On the other hand, the citizens of Szczecin, launched the first "ogórki małosolne" championship this year, shortening the event's span to just three days (click here to see photos). Competitors guard their recipes closely, however, telling only that the secret to success is the right amount of salt in the brine and a good choice of other ingredients.

So, is it difficult then to make ogórki kiszone and/or ogórki małosolne? Not really if you have some understanding of the fermentation process. Therefore, in addition to the basic recipe (see the insert above), here is a list of pointers that can make your efforts more successful:

Cucumbers - pickling cucumbers are best to use because in comparison to the slicing varieties, their skin is less bitter and seeds smaller & less numerous. The cucumbers should be relatively small (up to 4-5 inches long). The larger ones tend to get mushy - or even empty inside - as they collect too much carbon dioxide released during the fermentation process. It's best to start with the freshly picked cukes before they lose their natural crispness. But if needed, pre-soaking in ice water for several hours can usually restore their firmness. Note also that cucumbers fertilized with too much nitrogen do not make good pickles.

Dill and other ingredients - Polish style pickles owe their delightful flavor to the right mix of dill, garlic and horseradish. The entire dill plant can be used including roots, stems, leaves and seeds. But flowers can be problematic because they have an enzyme that makes cucumbers mushy by speeding up decomposition. On the other hand, the crunchiness of pickles can be increased by adding tannin-containing leaves of such plants grapes, black currents, cherries, and even oaks. The brine is sometimes spiced up with mustard seeds - as well as peppercorns, bay leaves, all spice, coriander seeds and bay leaves- although purists argue that the latter spices should be used only for vinegar pickles.

Salt - never use the iodized salt because iodine inhibits the growth of beneficial bacteria. Avoid also salt that has other additives (like anti-caking agents in table salt or kosher salt - the latter might be also too harsh). The best is the sea salt made of evaporated sea water or mined from the ancient sea beds. Salt concentration in brine can vary between 20 to 60 grams of salt per liter of water (2.7–8.0 oz/US gal). Since salt slows the fermentation process, use less salt for quick, half-soured pickles (ogórki małosolne) and more salt for the fully-soured pickles (ogórki kiszone).

Water - spring or well water is best because chlorine in tap water kills the beneficial bacteria. Boil water for several minutes to remove as much dissolved oxygen as possible. Add salt to water only after boiling because evaporation will throw off (increase) the intended salt-water ratio and remove some micro-elements present in salt. Some recipes call for pouring hot brine over cucumbers but keep in mind that high temperature of both the brine and the air speeds up the fermentation process. According to most sources, it's best to cool the brine to room temperature, which should be about 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Container - larger quantities of brine pickles are traditionally produced in oak barrels but stoneware crocks and glass jars are best for pickling at home. Ceramic crocks protect the pickles from light but glass jars are cheaper and more practical for two reasons. First, they let you see what's going on inside and second, you can vary ingredients slightly from one jar to another. Comparing the results will help you arrive at your favorite recipe or produce flavors that suit differing tastes of other family members. The glass jars must be clean but there is no need to sterilize them. One thing is essential though: All cucumbers and other ingredients must be completely submerged in brine to ensure the oxygen-free environment needed for the beneficial bacteria. Otherwise, things can go south very quickly.

Happy Pickling!!!