Homemade Pickling Spice Mix Recipe

You know you’re adulting hard when creating your own pickling spice from scratch feels like a legit weekend plan, right? Let me take you on a bit of a seasoning adventure with a medley of spices that will transform your pickles—and possibly your outlook on life—with just a shake of a jar.

Creating my own pickling spice mix is a labor of love, but it’s well worth the effort. The mix weds together aromatic mustard seeds, bright coriander seeds, and zesty dill seeds, all perfectly enhanced by the warmth of allspice and the mild heat of black pepper.

So, yes, if you must pickle, it serves as a reminder that flavorful preserves don’t always come from the store.

Ingredients

• Mustard Seeds: Packed with selenium, they offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Coriander Seeds: Rich in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
• Dill Seeds: Known for their digestive and calming properties.
• Allspice Berries: Combine flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, adding warmth.
• Black Peppercorns: Contain piperine, enhancing nutrient absorption.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a spicy kick with capsaicin, boosting metabolism.
• Whole Cloves: High in antioxidants, contributing to immune support.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons dill seeds
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cardamom pods
• 5 bay leaves, crumbled
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

How to Make this

1. Start by assembling all the spices: mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seeds, allspice berries, black peppercorns, crushed red pepper flakes, whole cloves, ground ginger, cardamom pods, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.

2. In a small frying pan over medium heat, toast the mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and dill seeds. Stir them occasionally until they give off their nice smell, which should happen in about 2-3 minutes. Just don’t scorch them.

3. Take the toasted seeds out of the skillet and allow them to cool for one or two minutes.

4. In a mixing bowl, blend the toasted seeds with the following other ingredients: allspice berries, black peppercorns, crushed red pepper flakes, whole cloves, ground ginger, cardamom pods, crumbled bay leaves, and broken pieces of cinnamon stick.

5. Be sure to mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are well distributed.

6. To store the spice mixture, use a clean and dry jar that has an airtight lid. Make sure to transfer the mixture before it cools so that it will not clump in the jar.

7. Write on a label the contents of the jar, along with the date.

8. Keep the homemade pickling spice mix in a cool, dark place. This will maintain its potency for up to 6 months.

9. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture to each quart of pickling brine, modifying the amount if you prefer a bolder or more subdued flavor.

10. For optimal outcomes, place the spice mixture in the pickling liquid and heat it until boiling; then, carefully pour it over the clean glass containers packed with the desired vegetables or fruits to be pickled. Finish with a hot seal, and store as per your pickling recipe.

Equipment Needed

1. Small frying pan
2. Mixing bowl
3. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
4. Kitchen towel or cooling rack (for cooling seeds)
5. Airtight jar with lid (for storing spice mixture)
6. Label and pen (for labeling jar)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Large pot (for boiling pickling brine)
9. Funnel (optional, for transferring spices to jar/container)
10. Clean glass containers or jars with lids (for pickling)

FAQ

• What is pickling spice used for?The spice mix known as pickling spice is used mainly for flavoring pickles, but it can also ramp up the taste of other dishes, like braised meats and stews.
• Can I customize the pickling spice mix?You can absolutely modify the ingredient quantities to match your flavor preferences, or leave out any that don’t fit your dietary profile, to make this recipe your own. Here are a few ways to do that.
• How should I store homemade pickling spice?Maintain an aroma by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark space of your kitchen, away from the stove and other sources of heat and humidity. When kept in this way, it should have a life of 6 months. After that, its secret power may linger, but its aroma and flavor will have faded seriously.
• How much pickling spice should I use for pickling?In general, it is recommended to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of pickling spice for each quart of pickling liquid.
• Can I substitute whole spices with ground spices?It is better to use whole spices because they release their flavors much more slowly (and, we would argue, much more enjoyably, too). But if you happen to have only ground spices on hand, don’t despair. You can still make chai.

  I would recommend using slightly less ground spice than you would whole spice, and definitely using a spice bag. These proportions hold for the following recipe.

• Is there a way to reduce the spiciness in the mix?To lessen the heat, decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or omit them completely.

Homemade Pickling Spice Mix Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Mustard seeds: Replace with the same quantity of yellow mustard powder or turmeric, and you will have a completely different flavor profile.
Whole allspice: Substitute with an equal amount of ground allspice or a mix of ground cinnamon and cloves. Whole allspice may be difficult to find in some grocery stores.
Substitute with white peppercorns or ground black pepper if texture is not crucial. Black peppercorns.
Whole cloves: Substitute with ground cloves using about a quarter of the amount called for, or use star anise for a different aromatic note.
Stick cinnamon: A similar flavor can be obtained by substituting with ground cinnamon at about one quarter of the amount you would use for a stick. Cassia bark will provide a similar flavor as well.

Pro Tips

1. Adjust Toasting Time for Freshness For optimal flavor, consider toasting seeds like mustard, coriander, and dill just before you plan to make the spice mix. This can enhance their natural oils and aroma, providing a fresher and more aromatic spice blend.

2. Crack Larger Aromatics Before mixing the spices, gently crush larger ingredients like the cardamom pods and allspice berries. This releases their aromatic oils and can improve the flavor distribution throughout your pickling spice mix.

3. Experiment with Spice Ratios Feel free to adjust the quantities of certain spices to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer a spicier mix, increase the red pepper flakes. For a more aromatic profile, consider adding more cloves or cardamom.

4. Ensure Even Heat Distribution When Toasting To prevent the seeds from scorching during toasting, shake the pan or stir constantly. Using a heavier pan can also help distribute the heat evenly, reducing the chance of burning any seeds.

5. Grind for Different Textures If you prefer a spice mix with a finer texture, consider lightly grinding some of the toasted seeds after they cool. This can create a different texture and flavor experience in the finished pickling product. Adjust the grind depending on what you’re pickling to match the desired flavor intensity.