14 Day Sweet Pickles

Step 5: Days 8 through 10

On day 8, you'll empty the cucumbers into another bowl or container and wash them thoroughly with cold water.

If you're going to cut your cucumbers, now is when you would do that.  You can cut them lengthwise or into chunks.  If you intend to leave them whole, prick them all over with a skewer or fork to allow the subsequent solutions to absorb more easily.  Look to the next step for some thoughts if you intend to leave the pickles whole.

Add 1/3 Tbsp powdered alum to 1/3 gallon fresh water, and bring it to a boil while you're prepping your cucumbers.

Wash and rinse the enameled container, plate, and weight.

Return the cucumbers to the enameled container, and pour the boiling water/alum solution over them.  Replace the plate and weight it down.

On the 9th day you'll pour off the alum solution and drain the cucumbers.  Bring another 1/3 gallon water + 1/3 Tbsp alum to a boil.  Wash and rinse the enameled container, plate, and weight.  Return the cucumbers to the enameled container and pour the fresh boiling solution over them and weight down.

Repeat this procedure on day 10.