12 best pickles for pickling

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Cucumbers are an indispensable product of Russians, which are used year-round in different processing options. They are ingredients in salads, eaten fresh, lightly salted, pickled and salted. The culture is divided into several types: pickling, salad and universal. They differ from each other in their characteristics and are used each for its own purpose. Salad varieties have large fruits of a beautiful and even shape. They have a smooth and light skin. Their shelf life is very short. They are suitable for fresh consumption only. When canning, cucumbers become soft, lose their taste, and cans explode.

Pickled cucumbers are just intended for processing for winter storage. Cultivars come in medium or small sizes. Their peel color is dark, it is hard and bumpy. The pulp is dense, so no air layers are formed in it, and the cans are stably preserved without explosions and clouding of the brine. The universal type is suitable for both fresh food and preservation.

Today we will talk about the best representatives of the pickling group. The correct choice of variety is the main guarantee of success and a guarantee that in winter the whole family will enjoy crispy cucumbers, and guests will be surprised at the unusually tasty appetizer that is necessarily present at all Russian festive feasts. Cucumbers for pickling should be dense and elastic to the touch, the surface should be rough, pimply, with thorns. Cucumbers are selected without external damage with a dark green skin. There should be no voids when cutting. Taste – without bitterness, slightly sweetish.

Even an experienced summer resident can make a mistake when choosing pickled cucumbers. This is due to the emergence of new varieties, in which the differences between the types are erased, and it is sometimes difficult to determine by their appearance what purposes the vegetables are intended for. Our experts will try to help in this difficult matter, so that the work is not in vain, but its result is dense crispy 'strong men' that delight all household members. In the rating, 12 cucumber varieties, tested by experience, were selected that have the best characteristics for pickling and were most liked by ordinary housewives.

Rating of the best varieties of cucumbers for pickling

Nomination	a place	Variety	rating
The best varieties of cucumbers for pickling greenhouse cultivation	1	Siberian garland	5.0
	2	Tom Thumb	4.9
	3	Emelya	4.8
	4	Lilliputian	4.7
	5	Courage	4.6
	6	Alekseich	4.5
The best varieties of cucumbers for salting open ground	1	Nezhinsky	5.0
	2	Salting	4.9
	3	Competitor	4.8
	4	Fontanelle	4.7
	5	Masha	4.6
	6	Voronezh	4.5

The best varieties of cucumbers for pickling greenhouse cultivation

Siberian garland

Rating: 5.0

The first place was given to the pickling variety, which is one of the latest achievements of domestic breeders. Despite its young age, it has become in demand among many Russian gardeners. Its main feature is its adaptability to a wide range of adverse conditions. The plant tolerates both drought and waterlogging. The bouquet ovary forms 5 selected cucumbers of amicable ripening. About 400 pieces are collected from one bush. Fruits are formed in 1.5 months.

Gherkins reach a length of 5-7 cm. They are neat, even in shape. Failure to remove them in time will not overgrow. The surface will not become coarse, no voids are formed in the pulp. The variety ideally combines the properties required for salting. The undoubted advantages are the complete absence of bitterness, a delicate sweetish aftertaste, a distinct crunch.

The opinion of the respondents is the same: the variety is ideal for salting, good for salads. It is distinguished by high keeping quality, calmly transfers transportation. The culture takes root even in regions with the status of a 'risky farming zone'.

Advantages

• abundant and long-term productivity;
• universal grade for any processing;
• attractive appearance;
• adaptation to all climatic conditions;
• resistance to typical diseases.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Tom Thumb

Rating: 4.9

The second line of the rating is occupied by a variety known to all vegetable growers in the country. Initially, it was selected for planting in greenhouses and under films, but today it is used for growing in open ground, on window sills and insulated balconies. During the application, he was able to adapt to the changeable climate of the middle zone. The culture stands out for its excellent yield. Stable yield – 14 kg. With favorable factors, this figure reached 20-22 kg.

The plant is early maturing. The first cucumbers can be harvested on day 39. Another important quality is long-term fruiting, which is 2-2.5 months. Expert tasters rated the taste as 'excellent'. Cucumbers are used fresh, but even more actively – for conservation. After heat treatment, the skin remains crispy and the flesh is firm.

Zelentsy have a miniature appearance. They grow in length by a maximum of 10 cm. Their weight is 50-60 g. If not picked in time, cucumbers grow not in length, but in breadth. The culture is well adapted to drought, will not die without a long absence of watering. It is insensitive to many typical bacteria and viruses.

Advantages

• long-term fruiting;
• versatility of landing sites;
• immunity to disease;
• drought resistance;
• self-regulation of growth.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Emelya

Rating: 4.8

The bronze medalist of the rating is a variety bred by domestic breeders from the city of Mytishchi. It is approved for cultivation in all regions of the Russian Federation and is suitable for film coatings and heated greenhouses. The hybrid is often used by housewives to harvest on balconies. Average branching, sparse foliage. Fruits with a thin skin weighing up to 150 g and up to 15 cm long. 1 sq. meter consistently yields 16 kg of zelents. They are used for all types of processing.

The main advantage of the culture is its high resistance to cold compared to other varieties. Thanks to this property, the crop ripens even in unfavorable weather. Overgrown cucumbers remain juicy, no voids appear in the pulp, the surface does not turn yellow. The hybrid is immune to viruses and bacterial diseases. Keeping quality parameters are high. Transportation is also transferred without prejudice to the presentation.

According to reviews, this is one of the most unpretentious varieties, which produces high yields. Delicate taste without bitterness, ideal for fresh consumption. Unambiguous assessment of all respondents: 'excellent'.

Advantages

• cold resistance;
• increased fruiting;
• amicable maturation;
• not picky about care;
• excellent keeping quality.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Lilliputian

Rating: 4.7

In fourth place in the ranking is the variety that summer residents choose for cooking salted gherkins. It was bred for cultivation in the middle lane and has high performance. 10.7-11 kg of miniature greens 7-9 cm long and weighing 90 g are collected from 1 bush. The skin is lumpy with vertical light stripes. The bush is medium-sized. The foliage is not very dense.

The variety is absolutely unpretentious. The harvest is formed under unfavorable conditions. The plant tolerates lack of care, which is why it is so fond of many gardeners. If removed on time, the cucumbers increase in size, but retain all their taste properties, do not turn yellow, do not give off bitterness. The hybrid is resistant to all typical diseases. With preventive measures, the risk of infection is reduced to zero.

'Lilliput' is recognized as one of the best varieties for pickles and gherkins. It has an increased shelf life. Cucumbers are grown not only for individual use, but also for sale, as they can withstand long transportation.

Advantages

• excellent qualities for pickling and pickling;
• neat, even fruits;
• long term of lying;
• good, bountiful harvests.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Courage

Rating: 4.6

The fifth position of the rating is occupied by a hybrid variety of Russian breeding, which ripens 40 days after germination. It is distinguished by a bouquet ovary, in which up to 10 fruits are located. They are large, with pronounced tuberosity, reaching 15 cm in length, suitable for canning and barrel salting. Up to 30 cucumbers are collected from one bush at the same time, and from 1 square. m – up to 18 kg. The surface is covered with a slight waxy coating. The pulp is fragrant, crispy, without large seed canals and voids.

'Courage' perfectly adapts to any natural conditions. It is not affected by powdery mildew, root rot. If the crop is not harvested on time, then the green plants do not outgrow and do not turn yellow. Excellent keeping quality allows not only to keep fresh cucumbers for a long time, but also to transport them to any distance.

Gardeners note that the hybrid really meets the declared characteristics. It is not picky about soil and care, does not need frequent feeding, withstands drought and temperature changes, and retains its presentation for a long time.

Advantages

• abundant fruiting;
• for all types of processing;
• excellent keeping quality;
• resistance to disease and weather changes;
• aromatic taste without bitterness.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Alekseich

Rating: 4.5

The sixth line in this nomination of the rating is occupied by an early ripening variety. The yield is high. Stable from 1 sq. m is collected 18 kg of neat, compact green leaves 8 cm long and weighing 65-75 g. The skin is slightly lumpy, with white stripes. Cucumbers are actively used in cooking. They are lightly salted, pickled, salted, consumed on their own or in salads. Delicate sweetish aftertaste persists even if untimely removed from the bush. The bundle ovary guarantees the amicable formation of an early and abundant harvest.

The culture is characterized by medium branching and vigor, so picking ripe fruits is not difficult. It is distinguished by its ecological plasticity, not demanding on soils. The variety is highly resistant to true and downy mildew. It tolerates transportation well, has excellent keeping quality. Marketability is 99%.

Cucumbers retain their strength after heat treatment, remain crispy and firm. Gardeners advise paying attention to this bountiful early variety.

Advantages

• variety for pickling pickles and gherkins;
• excellent taste characteristics;
• long shelf life;
• unpretentious to external conditions;
• minimally susceptible to disease.

disadvantages

• not detected.

The best varieties of cucumbers for salting open ground

Nezhinsky

Rating: 5.0

The leader in this nomination of the rating is an old variety, which is known to every vegetable grower in our country and abroad. During the Soviet era, it was used on 70% of the agricultural land allocated for cucumbers. For the extraordinary taste and aroma of the cucumber, a monument was erected in the city of Nizhyn – the birthplace of a unique vegetable. The variety is included in the State Register and is recommended for cultivation in all regions of the country. It is used in private gardens and farms.

Smooth cucumbers with an average weight of 95-100 g. They have a high marketable appearance and perfectly tolerate transportation over long distances. The surface is lumpy with sparse spines. Juicy pulp is dense, crispy, without voids. The seeds are small, neatly arranged. Cucumbers have shown themselves well when preserved. But they are actively used in unprocessed form.

The culture is distinguished by a high level of disease resistance and is rarely affected by aphids, it has increased drought tolerance. Long-term fruiting is another advantage. The crop can be harvested in the fall, when other varieties have already expired.

Advantages

• time-tested qualities;
• bountiful harvest;
• the oldest drought-resistant variety;
• excellent taste;
• immunity to pests and diseases.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Salting

Rating: 4.9

The second in the ranking is a variety specially bred for pickling and preservation, although fresh fruits have excellent taste and aroma. Seed germination is 98%. This is one of the best indicators among pickling varieties. From 1 sq. meter is collected 4-5 kg ​​of greens of the same size and shape, weighing 100-120 g. Their pulp is dense without voids, the seeds are small. The peel is thin, with large tubercles and black thorns. After picking, cucumbers retain their presentation for a long time, do not turn yellow, do not wither.

The plant adapts to various types of soils, is completely unpretentious in care, does not require frequent feeding, it is not affected by temperature changes, drought and cold snap. The variety thrives in shaded areas. It is immune to all major diseases and viruses.

According to reviews, cucumbers are very juicy, there is no bitterness, they are distinguished by a high content of vitamins. Thanks to the correct uniform shape, they are very convenient to put in jars. It was also noted that inexperienced summer residents also achieve good yields, subject to the basic care regimes.

Advantages

• long shelf life;
• picky in leaving;
• the same shape and size;
• an increased amount of nutrients;
• lack of bitter taste.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Competitor

Rating: 4.8

The third nominee of the rating is the variety bred by Soviet breeders in 1980. The shape of the cucumbers is oval-cylindrical with a dark green bumpy surface. The average weight of zelents is 100 g, but it can reach 120 g. From 1 sq. M. m, 3.5-3.8 kg of cucumbers are harvested, but according to statistics, this figure can be 5-6 kg. The 'competitor' is chosen for its high yield, attractive presentation and excellent taste. Plucked fruits are highly keeping quality, do not turn yellow.

The undoubted advantage of culture is its resistance to all types of diseases and pests. Initially, it was taken out exclusively for the southern regions, but over time there was an adaptation to other climatic zones. The variety is planted in the middle lane.

Zelentsy have a fragrant, slightly sweet taste. They not only showed themselves well when salted, but also show the best qualities when fresh. Summer residents noted good seed germination and seedling survival, high yield parameters, and long shelf life. For many, the variety really has no competitors among other analogues grown in the open field.

Advantages

• excellent yield indicators;
• immunity to disease;
• long shelf life;
• excellent taste;
• without the appearance of a bitter aftertaste.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Fontanelle

Rating: 4.7

The fourth place in the ranking goes to the hybrid, which was bred back in the Soviet period. But it has not been forgotten and remains relevant even with the constant selection of new varieties. It is preferred by summer residents, since the characteristics have really been tested by time, and as a result of cultivation and harvesting, no surprises arise. From 1 sq. m 6 kg of zelents are stably collected. They reach 12 cm in length. The rind is lumpy, dark green. The mass of cucumbers is approximately the same and averages 100 g.

The cucumbers are fragrant, without voids. They are lightly salted, pickled and salted. They are distinguished by excellent keeping quality, well stored after conservation. The plant is very tall. It reaches 3 meters. The variety is highly resistant to major diseases. It is drought-resistant and not demanding on the soil, it tolerates high temperatures well.

Summer residents noted that this is one of the few varieties that does not overgrow due to the wrong harvest. They remain the same size and retain all their flavor characteristics. Another highlighted plus is the ease of transportation, even over long distances.

Advantages

• time-tested and experienced variety;
• universality of application;
• clean, even fruits without overgrowth;
• resistance to viruses and bacteria;
• adaptation to weather conditions.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Masha

Rating: 4.6

Fifth in the ranking – one of the earliest varieties, the fruiting of which occurs 36 days after germination. It has shown itself perfectly both in the open field and when grown in a greenhouse, as it has the ability to self-pollinate. Production yield – 96%. Gherkins grow neat, of the same size. The skin is covered with large bumps. Seeds are few in number.

The scourge grows tall with a powerful stem. A special feature is the openly located branches. This makes picking ripe cucumbers much easier. The culture is resistant to many diseases: mosaic virus, powdery mildew, olive spot. Zelentsy have a high keeping quality, tolerate transportation well. When preserved, crispy, fragrant cucumbers with dense pulp without voids are obtained.

Vegetable growers speak of the variety extremely positively due to stable yield, simultaneous ripening of fruits, lack of bitterness, and high commercial properties. It is good for all types of canning, fresh used in salads and on its own.

Advantages

• the miniature size of the seed chambers;
• absolute absence of bitterness;
• density optimal for salting;
• lightweight assembly process;
• long shelf life.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Voronezh

Rating: 4.5

The sixth place in the rating in this category is occupied by a medium-late ripening variety bred by Voronezh breeders. It is recommended for planting in central Russia, the Central Black Earth and North-Western zone. The cucumbers are harvested 50 days after planting. Cucumbers are of a high presentation, medium, weighing no more than 100 g, 9-12 cm long. The main difference is approximately the same shape and size of the fruits, which makes the contents of pickling jars very attractive. Pickled cucumbers are dense, crispy with a fragrant taste.

The culture is pollinated by bees. The yield is stable. Summer residents receive up to 3 kg of fruits from 1 sq. m. Under favorable conditions, the parameter increases significantly. The variety is grown in open ground of a sandy loam type. He also feels good on loams. Voronezh is highly immune to bacteriosis. It does not require intensive care, it tolerates prolonged drought and short-term cold snap well.

A variety of medium bushiness, densely leafy. The number of lashes reaches 7 pieces. The pubescence is dense, complex, black.

Advantages

• high commercial quality;
• consistently good harvest;
• excellent characteristics for salting;
• unpretentious in care;
• uniform ripening of fruits.

disadvantages

• not detected.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.