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Pickled Apples

Pickled Apples
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Pickled apples combine the crisp crunch and natural sweetness of fresh, firm apples with a tangy and zesty pickling brine. This simple, easy-to-make snack is bursting with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors while maintaining a delightful crunch. Perfect on their own or as an exciting addition to salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards, these pickled apples are a flavorful and nutritious treat packed with fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 4 firm, crisp apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), washed and sliced into thin wedges or rounds, cores removed, peel left on

Pickling Brine

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Optional Extras

  • 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh sliced jalapeño for a spicy kick
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or mint for herbal notes
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweeter style
  • Optional splash of bourbon or brandy for alcohol infusion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash your apples thoroughly and slice them into thin wedges or rounds, removing cores but leaving the peel on for added texture and nutrients.
  2. Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and your chosen pickling spices. Warm the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, then remove from heat.
  3. Pack the Jars: Place the sliced apples tightly into sterilized jars, layering in any additional spices or optional extras as desired. Pour the hot brine over the apples, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
  4. Seal and Cool: Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 24-48 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Enjoy Your Pickled Apples: After resting, your pickled apples are ready to be savored as a quick snack or exciting flavor booster in various dishes.

Notes

  • Use crisp apples like Granny Smith for best crunch and texture.
  • Sterilize jars before packing to ensure longer shelf life and safety.
  • Adjust sugar according to taste; start with less and increase if desired in future batches.
  • Experiment with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, or chili flakes to personalize flavor.
  • Store pickled apples refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it can make the apples mushy.
  • Serve pickled apples cold or at room temperature for best flavor and crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled apples, apple snack, easy pickled fruit, tangy apples, crunchy apples, healthy snack, fermented apples

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/pickled-apples/