BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Whether you enjoy cucumbers pickled, fresh or even sautéed, this member of the gourd family will keep you “cool” this spring. Cucumbers are fat free, sodium free and a good source of Vitamin C. Choose firm cucumbers with dark green color that are heavy for their size. Look for Colorado cucumbers at your local farmers’ market, grocery store or at restaurants across the state. Each month the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown in the state.
Sweet Pickle Relish
Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware Grill Expert
2 lbs. (8-10) Cucumbers, washed and shredded
1/2 Cup Pimento, drained and diced
2 Small Sweet Yellow Onions, shredded
3 Tbsp. Kosher Salt
3 Cups Water, boiling
3/4 tsp. Mustard Seed
3/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup White Distilled Vinegar
1/2 Cup Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Place the shredded cucumbers, shredded onion and diced pimento into a stainless steel mixing bowl. Cover with boiling water, add the salt, mix well then let stand for 1-1.5 hours. Drain the cucumber mixture and place into a stainless steel stock pot (do not use aluminum). To the cucumber mixture in the stock pot, add the mustard seed, sugars and vinegars. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium high heat, once at a boil, reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook the mixture until the majority of the liquid (80-90%) has evaporated and the mixture is thickened. Split mixture into two sterilized pint mason jars and place in the refrigerator to cool completely. Once fully cooled, place on the lid and ring and secure. Keep refrigerated (for safety and quality, use within two weeks) and use as a condiment for your favorite picnic staples.
— Colorado Department of Agriculture
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