The Famous Gewürzgurken: Germany’s Tangy, Spiced Pickles- Full Recipe

Watch the instagram recipe reel -here-.

Pickles have long held a cherished spot in culinary traditions worldwide, but Germany’s Gewürzgurken (spiced pickles) are in a league of their own. With their irresistible combination of tangy, slightly spicy, and well-seasoned flavors, these pickles are a staple and a must-try for anyone who loves pickles!

Gewürzgurken History

Germany has a long history with pickling, dating back to centuries when preserving food was crucial for surviving harsh winters. Gewürzgurken in particular, which translates to “spiced pickles,” emerged as a popular variety that balanced the tang of vinegar with aromatic spices. What makes these pickles distinct is the precise blend of spices like mustard seed, allspice, and peppercorns, which give them a unique depth of flavor.

These pickles have been enjoyed as a classic side dish to hearty German meals, from Wurst to Sauerbraten, and are commonly served alongside other pickled delights like sauerkraut. They’re also often found in traditional German markets, served as a snack or side. Gewürzgurken have gained popularity beyond Germany, in part due to their crisp, flavorful nature and how well they complement meats and sandwiches.

Fun Facts About Gewürzgurken

• Pickle pride: Germany is known for its vast pickle production, with Spreewald, a region in eastern Germany, being particularly famous for its Gewürzgurken. The area even boasts the Spreewald Pickle Festival!

• Cucumber variety: Traditionally, Kirby cucumbers are used for making Gewürzgurken, which have a perfect crunchy texture after brining.

• Spicing it up: Unlike basic dill pickles, Gewürzgurken often use a richer variety of spices, including mustard seed, allspice, and peppercorns.

Why Gewürzgurken Are Easier to Make Than You Think

While Gewürzgurken may seem like a complicated recipe due to their layers of flavor, they’re actually incredibly simple to make at home. All it takes is fresh cucumbers, a blend of common spices, a quick boil of brine, and a few days to let the flavors develop. You don’t need any fancy equipment or extensive drying or fermentation periods. Plus, homemade pickles allow you to control the flavor—whether you want to turn up the heat or stick to the classic, tangy taste.

Gewürzgurken Recipe
(If needed, half the recipe for a smaller batch)

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Kirby cucumbers, washed and sliced into spears

• 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cups water

• 1 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (ACV)

• 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 1/2 tablespoon allspice berries

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 bunch fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash your Kirby cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into spears.

2. Make the brine: In a large pot, combine water, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

3. Prepare the jars: In a large jar (or multiple smaller jars), layer in the garlic cloves, sliced onion, some fresh dill sprigs and pack the cucumber spears tightly.

4. Add the spices: Toss in black peppercorns, allspice berries, mustard seeds, and the bay leaf.

5. Pour the brine: Once the brine has boiled, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes to prevent your glass jar from potentially cracking. Then, carefully pour the warm’ish brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged.

6. Seal and store: Seal the jar(s) tightly and store them in the fridge. Allow the pickles to sit for at least 2-3 days to develop their flavor fully. Of course if you can’t wait these can be enjoyed after 24 hours as well!

7. Enjoy: After a few days, your Gewürzgurken are ready to enjoy! The pickles will keep in the fridge for about 3 weeks.

Variations and Tips

• Add some heat: For a spicy kick, toss in a chili pepper or two when packing the cucumbers into the jar.

• Customize the tang: If you prefer a less tangy flavor, reduce the amount of vinegar slightly or add a touch more sugar.

Other German Pickles

If you love Gewürzgurken, there are plenty of other German pickle varieties to explore! Senfgurken, for example, are mustard pickles that have a milder, sweeter taste, often made with cucumbers that are peeled and cut into chunks. There’s also Salzgurken, a saltier variety made through fermentation rather than vinegar brining, giving them a distinct sourness.