A large range of varieties grow well in Kilkenny and fruit freely, provided they are protected by a greenhouse or polytunnel.
Freshly picked Cucumbers, grown in Kilkenny |
Cucumber pickled in Gin |
RECIPE
Ingredients:
2 medium sized cucumbers, thinly sliced
200 ml white wine vinegar
100 ml good quality gin
I homegrown whole green chili, thinly sliced
1/2 homegrown onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
Zest of 1 lime
4 juniper berries
2 teaspoons of sea salt
1 teaspoon sugar
3-4 drops lime oil
Add the salt to the cucumbers (in this case, one was left with its skin on and the other has its skin removed) and onion in a bowl with the chili, then weigh them down with a heavy plate for approx three hours. Then rinse.
Heat up the vinegar, juniper, sugar and lime zest. Bring to boil, add the cucumbers, onion and chili. Simmer for a couple of minutes, then add freshly picked and chopped mint and the gin and then place in sterilised jars.