Top 7 Fruits for Refrigerator Pickles That Aren’t Cucumbers

Top 7 Fruits for Refrigerator Pickles That Aren’t Cucumbers

When it comes to refrigerator pickles, cucumbers usually steal the spotlight. But did you know there’s a whole world of fruits you can pickle that aren’t cucumbers? Pickling these fruits brings out unique flavors and textures, making them a delightful addition to your kitchen.

Whether you’re craving something sweet, tangy, or a bit spicy, these top 7 fruits are perfect for refrigerator pickling and offer a refreshing twist on the classic pickle.

1. Watermelon Rinds

Watermelon rind pickles are a Southern classic, turning something often discarded into a crunchy, tangy treat. The brine softens the rinds while infusing them with flavors, creating a refreshing snack or side dish.

How to Pickle Watermelon Rinds:

  • Peel the green outer skin off the rinds and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Boil the rinds briefly to soften them.
  • Pack the rinds into jars with cinnamon sticks and cloves.
  • Pour over a hot brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cool and refrigerate.

These pickles are great for adding a unique twist to your charcuterie boards or sandwiches.

2. Apples

Pickled apples offer a delightful balance of sweet and sour, making them a versatile addition to salads, cheese platters, or even desserts. Their natural sweetness shines when paired with a tangy brine.

How to Pickle Apples:

  • Core and slice the apples thinly.
  • Pack them into jars with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and allspice.
  • Pour over a hot brine made of vinegar, water, sugar, and a touch of salt.
  • Let them cool before storing in the refrigerator.

Pickled apples add a zesty crunch to salads and pair beautifully with cheese.

3. Pineapple

Pickled pineapple brings a tropical twist to your pickle repertoire. The natural sweetness of the pineapple, combined with a tangy brine, creates a vibrant and flavorful pickle that pairs well with savory dishes.

How to Pickle Pineapple:

  • Cut the pineapple into small chunks.
  • Pack the pieces into jars with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Pour over a hot brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
  • Let cool before refrigerating.

These pickles are perfect for adding a sweet and spicy kick to tacos, salads, or grilled meats.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries may not be the first fruit you think of for pickling, but they create a unique, slightly sweet, and tangy pickle that’s perfect for desserts or salads.

How to Pickle Strawberries:

  • Slice the strawberries or leave them whole.
  • Pack them into jars with fresh herbs like mint or basil.
  • Pour over a hot brine made of vinegar, water, and a little sugar.
  • Cool and refrigerate.

Pickled strawberries add a burst of flavor to green salads or as a garnish for desserts.

5. Cherries

Pickled cherries offer a delicious balance of sweet and tart, with a subtle spiciness depending on the brine used. They pair beautifully with meats, cheeses, or even as a dessert topping.

How to Pickle Cherries:

  • Pit the cherries, leaving them whole.
  • Pack them into jars with spices like cloves, cinnamon, or black peppercorns.
  • Pour over a hot brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cool and store in the refrigerator.

Pickled cherries are a gourmet addition to cheese boards or roasted meats.

6. Peaches

Pickled peaches are a Southern delicacy, offering a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats or salads.

How to Pickle Peaches:

  • Slice ripe peaches and pack them into jars with cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of red pepper flakes.
  • Pour over a hot brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
  • Cool before refrigerating.

Pickled peaches add a unique flavor to summer dishes.

7. Grapes

Grapes might not be the first fruit you think of for pickling, but they make surprisingly tasty pickles that are both sweet and tangy.

How to Pickle Grapes:

  • Leave the grapes whole, and pack them into jars with rosemary or thyme.
  • Pour over a hot brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cool and refrigerate.

Pickled grapes are a delightful addition to salads, cheese boards, or as a unique snack.

The Sweet and Tangy Finish

Refrigerator pickling is a fun and easy way to experiment with preserving fruit. Whether you’re adding a tangy twist to your favorite fruits or discovering new flavor combinations, these five fruits—watermelon rinds, apples, pineapple, strawberries, and cherries—are perfect for creating unique and delicious pickles. So why not try pickling something new and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and flavorful results? Happy pickling!


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