Homemade Pickling Spice Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Toya

You have to try out this easy pickling spice recipe that can be used for many of your pickling needs. It’s super easy to make, and can be ready in just a few minutes too!

If you love pickles, then you absolutely need to have some pickling spice on hand. It’s the perfect spice mix you can use to make the very popular and well-loved dill pickles. But, it’s a versatile mixture of spices that can also be used to make pickled fruits and veggies like beets, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, onions, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, and even eggs!

What is pickling spice?

Pickling spice is a coarse type of spice and seed mixture that is used to make pickled vegetables, braised meats, stews, spiced fruits, and more. 

What spices are in pickling spice?

Pickling spice uses different combinations of spices based on individual preferences, but the main spices that make a good pickling spice blend are:

• Mustard seeds
• Cinnamon chips
• Allspice berries
• Dill seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Bay leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Whole cloves
• Caraway seeds
• Dried ginger roots
• Celery seeds
• Cardamom
• Black peppercorns
• Dried chile peppers

How to make pickling spice

Pickling spice ingredients

The ingredients to make my simple pickling spice recipe are:

• Mustard seeds
• Cinnamon chips
• Allspice berries
• Dill seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Bay leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Whole cloves (or a clove substitute)
• Caraway seeds

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients in one place.

Then grab a bowl and place all the seeds into that bowl.

Then grab the cinnamon sticks and shred them into small cinnamon chips. Place these into the bowl as well.

Shred the bay leaves as well and place them into the bowl. Mix well with a spoon and use as desired. 

How to use pickling spice in your kitchen

Once you’ve made this simple pickling spice blend, and it’s to your liking, it’s time to start pickling your favorite fruits or vegetables. Or use it to cure ham, bacon, brine ham, etc

To pickle fruits or vegetables, pour equal parts water and equal parts vinegar as well as some salt and sugar into a saucepan and bring this to a boil until the sugar and salt dissolve. About 3 minutes.

The quantity of water and vinegar you need will depend on the size of your mason jar/s as well as the number of vegetables or fruits you want to pickle at once. But generally, for every cup of water and cup of vinegar used, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt.

Also, for every cup of water and cup of distilled vinegar, 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of pickling spice are ideal to make deliciously balanced pickled vegetables and fruits.

I’m basing this demonstration on using three 32-ounce Mason jars. 

Bring 3 cups of water and 3 cups of distilled vinegar to a boil, together with 3 tbsp sugar and 3 tbsp salt till you have a brine. About 3 minutes.

Chop up your veggies, I’m using cucumbers, carrots, and red onions.

Carefully fit the chopped veggies in each mason jar. Then Place 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of pickling spice blend in each mason jar. If you have it, also add a sprig of fresh dill to each mason jar (Fresh dill substitutes can be used here too). Pour 2 cups of liquid brine into each mason jar. Let it come to room temperature for 2 hours. Then cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The sky is the limit with this simple pickling spice recipe.

Want to know how much pickling spice to use?

Check out the best tips below:

How much pickling spice to use for corned beef

⅓ cup of pickling spice per gallon of water for the corned beef brine and 1 tablespoon of pickling spice for a 5-pound brisket. 

How much pickling spice to use for beets

For pickled beets, it is best to use 1 tablespoon of pickling spice per pint. I usually find the best infusion of flavors with 1/2 a tablespoon of picking spice per cup of brine.

How much pickling spice to use for refrigerator pickles

I often use 1 – 2 tablespoons per pint of refrigerator pickles. You can use a little more or a little less based on your preference. 

How much pickling spice to use for pickled eggs

You’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of pickling spice per pint of pickled eggs.

How much pickling spice to use per quart

You can use 1 to 2 tablespoons of pickling spice mix per quart.

Note, a 32-ounce mason jar equals a quart of liquid brine. However, if you’re pickling vegetables or fruits in a 32-ounce mason jar, you only need 2 cups or half a quart of liquid brine since you’ll need space inside the mason jar for the veggies or fruits that you’re fermenting. 

Adjust your pickling spice up or down based on the size of your mason jars.

So for instance, if your mason jar is 16 ounces use ½ to ¾ of a tablespoon of the pickling spice mix per mason jar.

And, if you have a very large mason jar that measures about 1 gallon, then you’ll need between 4 – 6 tablespoons of pickling spice per mason jar.

And also, if you’re using a 64-ounce mason jar, use 2-3 tablespoons of pickling spice mix.

In each of the scenarios, the amount of pickling spice you use is ultimately up to you but these tips are guidelines you can follow.

Easy recipes using pickling spice 

Here are some easy pickled recipes made with pickling spice mix:

• Dill pickles with pickling spice
• Pickled eggs with pickling spice

Final thoughts

Creating a pickling spice blend is a wonderful way to elevate any dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This carefully crafted blend of whole spices and herbs, makes the best pickling spice to infuse your food with a delightful medley of flavors that is both aromatic and tangy.

Mustard seeds, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, bay leaves, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, cloves, and allspice berries are all used in this mix and every spice is needed to make the recipe truly unique and amazing!

Whether you’re pickling eggs, vegetables, or meat, having an excellent pickling spice blend in your pantry can mean the difference between a good dish and a truly unforgettable one. So why not harness the power of the spice blend and let your creativity run wild in the kitchen?