What's an Orange Pickle?

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instructables by jessyratfink

Finished Product - Jar of Pickled Carrots

I've been pickling my own jalapenos for a long time now. I do them in the traditional style with carrots and onions, but the carrots always get eaten within the first few days. To remedy this, I decided to start pickling carrots in big batches too!

Pickled carrots are a lovely condiment and side dish for so many foods - we eat them all the time! Plus, they work well with loads of flavors, so you could even do a jar of sweet carrot pickles and a jar of savory ones.

Step 1: Ingredients + Tools

Ingredients

• 6-12 carrots - it'll all depend on the size! Mine were teeny so I used 12.
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups vinegar (white and apple cider work well!)
• 1-2 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of sugar
• whatever spices and herbs you like! I used probably a teaspoon of extra herbs/spices all together.
• additional veggies - you can sneak in some garlic, onion or peppers here, too.

The great part about this recipe is you can flavor the carrots however you like! Make sure to add a little more sugar for sweet combinations like cinnamon or fennel. Cumin is great with carrots, too. Today I'm just using some peppercorns, a bayleaf and some oregano to keep them tasting like my pickled jalapeños.

These pickled carrots stay nice and crisp - if you'd like them to be softer, you should put the carrots and the pickling liquid in a small saucepan and cook them for a few minutes and then pack them into the jar.

Tools:

• 32 oz/1 liter canning jar
• glass measuring cup

Step 2: Clean your canning jar

Wash the jar, lid and all extras in VERY hot water. You want this as clean as possible since you'll be storing food long term in it.

Once it's washed, set it aside on a clean towel or rack to dry.

Step 3: Peel and slice the carrots + other veg

Peel and slice your carrots on the diagonal - 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner is better if you want the carrots to be soft!

Slice up anything else you're putting in, too. I'm also adding four serrano peppers because Tyler kept saying "Make it spicy! Make it spicier!!"

Step 4: Pack your carrots into the jar

I normally do this as I cut them up, just to make sure I've got the perfect amount. 

Try to fill the jar to right below the bottom of the rim.

Step 5: Heat up your pickling mix

Combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar and herbs and spices (and garlic if you want it!) into a large microwave safe measuring cup.

Heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or until the mix is about 190-200 F.

Step 6: Pickling + storage

Pour the hot pickling liquid over the carrots.

Let the jar sit open on the counter until it cools down enough to comfortably handle (or reaches room temp) and then close it and pop it in the fridge. The carrots will soften slightly during this time, so let it hang out for a while!

The pickles can be eaten as soon as the liquid cools, but I find they taste best after a couple days in the pickling liquid!

These pickles will stay good for around a month if stored in the fridge, though ours rarely last that long. :D

Enjoy! I'd love to hear about what flavor combinations you guys use.

Top 2 Secrets on Lawn Care

Top 2 Secrets on Lawn Care

"September was made for growing grass. Start a new lawn or improve upon an existing one and achieve the results you've always wanted."

Fall's the best time for growing, sustaining and perfecting your lawn. September was made for growing grass. Cooling temperatures, moisture and conditions conspire to make soil ideal for seeding. With a little work, fertilizer and seed, your lawn will be healthy.

• Finish mowing for the season
• Easily take care of leaves
• Establish right soil
• Fertilizing & Reseeding

Mow the Lawn Once More

You should continue mowing your lawn throughout September. The last time it's cut, leave it slightly taller than usual to better absorb nutrients and moisture in preparation for winter.

"Mother nature intended for leaves to kiss the ground. Lay there. Return nutrients to future generations."

Leaves, Leaves and More Leaves

As long as your lawn is not completely blanketed in leaves the last time you mow, go over the leaves with your lawn mower vs. raking, It may take a couple of passes, but the finely chopped leaves will help retain moisture and return nutrients to the soil.

The Secret to a Healthy Lawn

Lime application is often forgotten in creating a healthy lawn. We know our lawns need fertilizer, weed-n-feed and water. How about healthy soil? Soil is the foundation for which every plant is "built" upon. It is both the catalyst for growth and stabilizer for acidic creating suitable soil.

What is Lime?

Lime is basically calcium and magnesium. Yes, it is the very same chemicals removed from hard water. The components of lime facilitate the uptake of nutrients and the growth of healthy microbes, and are almost like little pathways or the arteries to each grass seedling providing the very nutrients needed for proper and healthy growth. It also has a double purpose of removing dangerous toxins like aluminum and manganese, Commonly, it is found in a powder or as pellets in most stores like Ace Ace Hardware. Both lime powder and pellets work equally fine and only vary depending on your method of application. 

What Lime Isn't?

Lime is not a fertilizer, pesticide or insecticide. It isn't mulch, compost or anything similar in nature and is in no relation to the fruit. 

Fertilizing

Fertilize after Labor Day and the first week of November. Look for a slow-release fertilizer, low nitrogen and high phosphates. Spread ferterlizer evenly - using 1/2 for shaded areas. Any home garden store should be able to help choose a formula.  

When Do I Apply Lime?

Regardless of the situation, check the pH of your soil. Georgia clay soil is already slightly acidic. With the proper maintenance can become the ideal soil for a beautiful lawn. Oddly enough, the reason is our own doings. In most cases, the very things we add in the spring and summer for that beautiful green lawn are actually changing the composition of your soil structure.

The only time to apply lime is in the fall and early winter when temperatures are colder. Some say it's okay in the spring, but several independent university studies have shown this damages the soil. Therefore, the conciseness is that application in warm and hot periods will damage lawns.. The key thing is to apply when it is cool, but not so cold that the ground is frozen and make sure there is no impending rain within the next 24 hour forecast. This is very important in preventing any runoff.

Fig. pH Ranges for soil

Once or Yearly

Never apply lime more than once a year. This will cause irrefutable damage. Even if the pH level is not completely on target after application, your lawn should be okay for the next season and you should be able to close the gap in the next seasons. If your lawn is already healthy, you only need to apply lime every three years. However, check the pH level first to make sure it is needed.  Unused lime can be stored indefinitely. There is no need to discard unused lime.