Pickling is often associated with vegetables, but fruits have a remarkable ability to transform under the brine, offering a unique twist to their natural flavours.

From sweet to tangy, pickled fruits provide an exciting alternative to the traditional pickles and can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on their own. Here are some unique and delicious pickled fruit recipes that will elevate your culinary repertoire.

Pickled Pineapple

Pineapple, with its sweet and tangy profile, makes for an intriguing pickled fruit. To make pickled pineapple, start by cutting a fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Prepare a brine with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and add sugar, salt, and a touch of ginger for an extra kick. Bring the brine to a boil, then pour it over the pineapple chunks in a sterilised jar. Seal and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

Pickled Pears

Pears, with their delicate sweetness and smooth texture, lend themselves beautifully to pickling. Begin with firm pears, peeled and sliced. For the brine, use a combination of white wine vinegar, water, and sugar. Add spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for an aromatic touch. Heat the brine until the sugar dissolves, then pour it over the pear slices in a jar. Let the pears pickle for about a week before enjoying them. Pickled pears are fantastic in salads, cheese platters, or as a luxurious addition to a charcuterie board.

Pickled Cherries

Pickled cherries offer a delightful balance of sweet and sour. Start with fresh cherries, pitted and halved. Prepare a brine with red wine vinegar, sugar, water, and a few sprigs of rosemary for a herbaceous note. Heat the brine until the sugar is dissolved, then pour it over the cherries in a jar. Seal and let them sit for at least a week to develop their flavours.

Pickled Apples

Pickled apples are a versatile treat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Slice apples thinly and prepare a brine with apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and a hint of mustard seeds and coriander for a touch of warmth. Bring the brine to a boil and pour it over the apple slices. Seal the jar and let it sit for at least 48 hours. These pickled apples are perfect for adding a tangy crunch to sandwiches, salads, or served alongside a cheese platter.

Pickled Strawberries

Strawberries, typically enjoyed fresh, take on a new dimension when pickled. Slice fresh strawberries and prepare a brine with white balsamic vinegar, sugar, water, and a dash of black pepper. Heat the brine until the sugar is dissolved, then pour it over the strawberries. Let them pickle for about 24 hours before tasting. Pickled strawberries add a surprising twist to salads, desserts, or as a topping for yoghurt or ice cream.

Pickled Figs 

Figs, with their honeyed sweetness, become even more intriguing when pickled. Halve fresh figs and prepare a brine with red wine vinegar, sugar, water, and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat the brine until the sugar dissolves, then pour it over the figs in a jar. Seal and let the figs sit for at least a week. Pickled figs are a delectable addition to cheese platters and salads.

Pickling fruits is an excellent way to explore new flavours and preserve the bounty of seasonal produce. Whether you’re adding a unique twist to your meals or preparing special gifts, these pickled fruit recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy fruit in a whole new light. So gather your fruits, prepare your brine, and embark on a flavorful pickling adventure.