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Pickles? Did anyone say pickles? While you are out on a date or chilling on your sofa, nothing can match a tasty burger filled with slices of pickled cucumber. Dill pickles are a joy that saves a boring day.
For those unfamiliar with the difference between pickled cucumbers and dill pickles, dill pickles are pickled cucumbers seasoned with the dill herb. Pickles and dill pickle juice are highly popular for both flavor and a string of health benefits.
Did you ever get in a fight for the last pickle in the jar? If so, then you are a true pickle lover. When the last piece of dill pickle is picked finished from the jar, all left is dill pickle juice.
Don’t make the mistake of throwing this delicious, healthy juice away again. There are tons of uses available. From re-pickling to salad dressing, enhancing flavors, tenderizing meat, and replacing vinegar – you’ll soon realize just how valuable this handy leftover is.
You can always make dill pickle juice from scratch at home. The basic ingredients include water, salt, vinegar, and a few herbs and spices. Dill pickle juice eases muscle cramps far better than water alone. It keeps you hydrated and is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
A little dill pickle juice daily is great for those who want to keep themselves regular. However, more on these benefits soon.
Health Benefits Of Dill Pickle Juice
There are several health benefits associated with drinking dill pickle juice. Here are a few reasons for you to try it yourself if you haven’t already:
- Muscle cramps associated with physical activity are reduced
- A few sips alleviate gas and bloating
- A sip or two is all it takes to clear indigestion
- Potassium and sodium in pickle juice keeps you hydrated and replenishes electrolytes
- Fantastic zero fat sports recovery solution
- Immune system boost thanks to Vitamins C & E
- Regular consumption of vinegar may aid in weight loss
- A small serving before meals helps balance blood sugar
- The fermented nature of dill pickle juice encourages healthy bacteria in the gut
- Antibacterial properties destroy bad breath causing bacteria
Substitute For Dill Pickle Juice
Each of these dill pickle juice substitutes grants a similar flavor and health benefits. First, of course, you’ll have to forsake the dill, but most of the balance between acidity, sweetness, and sour is there.
1. Vinegar
Dill pickles are pickled cucumbers. Cucumbers are soaked in a mixture of vinegar, herbs, and spices, which gives a sour taste to the pickles and pickle juice. Since pickle juice is primarily vinegar, vinegar makes for a worthy replacement if you don’t have any handy.
Many of dill pickle juice’s health benefits can be attributed to vinegar. It has the potential to thin your blood improving blood circulation in those with circulatory issues. Blood sugar control is improved when drinking a little vinegar before meals, and its antimicrobial properties are excellent for oral health.
2. Homemade Dill Pickle Juice
If you’re in a hurry and can’t get your hands on dill pickle juice, try making some at home. Here’s an easy recipe for homemade dill pickle juice:
Ingredients:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Fresh dill
- Pickling spices
- Garlic
Method:
Blend all of the ingredients in a saucepan until combined. Cook slowly until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Allow the mixture to cook. Dispense and then refrigerate. Shake well before use, and make sure to shake at least once a day to prevent the spices and herbs from settling at the bottom of the jar or container.
If you don’t have a store-bought pickling spice blend, make your own. Add mustard seeds, a clove, black peppercorns, fresh or fried jalapeno, and fresh ginger. Feel free to customize the mix with any other herbs and spices you feel are appropriate but keep in mind – certain flavor profiles become intensity strong and overpowering once concentrated through the pickling process.
3. Gherkin Pickle Juice
Don’t have dill pickle juice handy? No problem. Use the juice from gherkin pickles. The taste depends on the brine – it’ll either be sweet, sweet and sour, or tangy.
Gherkin pickle juice has nearly identical health benefits to dill pickle juice. After all, gherkins are just a smaller variety of cucumber. The base is the same, and the pickles taste similar. You can expect juice packed with antioxidants that relieve muscle cramps quickly.
4. Water
If all you’re using dill pickle juice for is easing muscle cramps, replace it with water. Muscle cramps occur when we are dehydrated. Dehydration leads to certain muscles being overused, increasing the chance and severity of cramping.
Water with a few electrolytes like a pinch of Himalayan (pink) salt and sugar does a great job of relieving cramps quickly. As we should all have realized, the most versatile drink on planet Earth is a great substitute for dill pickle juice when treating cramps or hydration.
How To Substitute Dill Pickle Juice In Your Recipes
No alternative can replace the full host of benefits of dill pickle juice. The flavor is also one-of-a-kind. However, most of these substitutes will work well to compensate when you don’t have any on hand. Most will grant similar results, but you’ll need to try them in your own recipes.
If you haven’t yet tried supplementing with this leftover pickling compound, it’s about time that you start reaping the flavorful benefits of fermented dill cucumbers.