The Brine Essentials

Pickle Prep 101: From Jar to Joy!

When pickling at home you don't need much specialised equipment but having the essential items will help to speed along the process, lock-in memorable flavours, and ensure every crunchy bite is unforgettable!

Fresh Produce & Ingredients

• Vegetables or fruits (cucumbers, carrots, beans, onions, beets, peppers, cabbage, etc.)

• Salt (pickling or kosher salt – avoid iodized salt, which can cloud brine)

• Vinegar (5% acidity, usually white or apple cider vinegar)

• Water (non-chlorinated, if possible)

• Sugar (optional, depending on the recipe)

• Spices & herbs (dill, mustard seed, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc.)

Jars & Lids

• Glass canning jars (Mason jars or similar; wide-mouth jars are easier to pack)

• Two-piece lids (flat lid + screw band, or modern reusable sealing lids)

Basic Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling water if doing water-bath canning)

• Tongs or jar lifter (for safely handling hot jars)

• Funnel (wide-mouth funnel for pouring brine without spills)

• Measuring cups & spoons (for precise vinegar/salt ratios, important for safety)

• Cutting board & sharp knife (for prepping produce)

Optional but Helpful Tools

• Mandoline slicer (for even slices)

• Pickling weights (to keep produce submerged in brine, especially for fermentation-style pickling)

• Fermentation airlocks or lids (if making naturally fermented pickles like sauerkraut or kimchi)

• Thermometer (sometimes useful for monitoring brine temperature)

Sanitizing & Safety Supplies

• Clean cloths or paper towels (to wipe jar rims before sealing)

• Dishwasher or boiling water bath (for sterilizing jars before use)