Cucumbers are thought to have originated in India and were probably cultivated in Western Asia for at least a thousand years before their introduction to Europe. The Romans were fond of them, perhaps they introduced them to Britain. After their reintroduction, the Victorians became fond of growing them in hot beds.
A large range of varieties grow well in Kilkenny and fruit freely, provided they are protected by a greenhouse or polytunnel.
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| Freshly picked Cucumbers, grown in Kilkenny |
Our cucumber plants have produced a glut of cucumbers and it became imperative act quickly to preserve some for the lean winter months, before the frost hit them. Different varieties produce different sized cucumbers, there are a vast range of types. This recipe uses medium sized ones.
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| Cucumber pickled in Gin |
It is important to use the best quality gin you can afford, in this case it was a certain gin, that is flavoured by cucumbers, and is thus particularly suitable.
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.
