Bread and Butter Summer Squash Pickles

I have a confession. I’m not fond of summer squash. While I love most of the delicious fruits and vegetables from the summer harvest, I’m ambivalent about zucchini, yellow squash and the rest of the lot. It’s not the flavor I dislike, it’s more so the lack thereof. Maybe I just haven’t had a good zucchini? One might argue that the lack of flavor actually makes squash more versatile as it can be added to many dishes without competing with other flavors. I however don’t advocate for the use of an ingredient as filler. I know many of you share my sentiments about summer squash, while others are cringing and think it’s the best thing since sliced white bread. Whether you’re a lover or a hater, I’ve got a recipe that puts the savory back into squash.

It turns out that summer squash make a pretty decent pickle. While I’m not particularly picky about my pickle, I do prefer the refrigerator variety which retain a crisp texture. Conventional canning requires heat to kill bacteria allowing canned goods to keep for extended periods of time. The tradeoff is that heat cooks the pickle which results in a loss of bite and texture. Refrigerator pickles won’t last as long and must be refrigerated but remain crisp. Simply marinate for 24 to 48 hours and devour.

These bread and butter summer squash pickles aren’t too sweet and they pack a little heat from the addition of jalapeno. The beauty of pickling is that there’s an endless number of combinations of spices and vegetables that can be used. If you like it spicy add more jalapeño, or exclude them all together if you can’t take the heat. If you prefer a really sweet pickle add extra sugar. Have a favorite spice? Add it and see how it turns out. Or just, stick to this delicious recipe. You’ll love it!