Uses, Ingredients, Recipe & Buying Guide
Pickling spice is a timeless blend of whole spices that has been used for centuries to preserve vegetables, fruits, and even meats. Whether you’re making classic dill pickles, pickled beets, or experimenting with homemade preserves, understanding pickling spice can elevate both flavor and quality.
In this guide, you’ll learn what pickling spice is, what spices it contains, how to use it, how to make homemade pickling spice, and what to look for when buying the best pickling spice.
What Is Pickling Spice?
Pickling spice is a whole-spice blend traditionally used in pickling and canning. Unlike ground spice mixes, pickling spice is typically made with whole spices, which release flavor slowly during the pickling process. This results in a more balanced, aromatic brine. While it’s primarily associated with preservation, pickling spice shares some overlapping ingredients with other global spice blends, such as Chai Spice (often used in teas and desserts) and Baharat Spice (a savory Middle Eastern blend for meats and stews), making it part of a broader family of aromatic spice mixes.
Pickling spices are commonly used in:
- Vegetable pickling (cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets)
- Meat curing (corned beef, pastrami)
- Brines and marinades
- Soups and stews
What Spices Are in Pickling Spice?
While recipes vary, most traditional pickling spice blends include a combination of the following:
- Mustard seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Allspice berries
- Black peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Cloves
- Ginger root
- Dill seed
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
The beauty of pickling spice lies in its flexibility. You can adjust ingredients depending on whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or savory flavors.
How to Use Pickling Spice
Using pickling spice is simple, but technique matters for best results.
Common Methods:
- Directly in brine
Add 1–2 tablespoons of pickling spice per quart of brine. - Spice sachet or tea ball
Place spices in cheesecloth or a spice ball for easy removal and a clearer brine. - Toasting first (optional)
Lightly toast whole spices to enhance aroma before adding them to your brine.
Best Uses for Pickling Spice:
- Pickling cucumbers
- Pickled vegetables
- Pickled eggs
- Corned beef
- Sauerkraut and fermented foods
Homemade Pickling Spice Recipe
Making your own pickling spice ensures freshness and allows you to control flavor and quality.
Simple Homemade Pickling Spice Blend
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp allspice berries
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves (crumbled)
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp ginger root
- 1 tsp dill seed
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all spices in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.
- Use within 6–12 months for best flavor.
This homemade pickling spice blend works well for both quick pickles and long-term canning.
Pickling Spice vs Allspice: What’s the Difference?
A common misconception is that pickling spice and allspice are the same. They are not.
- Allspice is a single spice (dried berries from the Pimenta dioica plant).
- Pickling spice is a blend that may include allspice as one ingredient.
If you’re out of pickling spice, allspice alone is not a full substitute, but it can help in a pinch when combined with other whole spices.
Buying the Best Pickling Spice
When shopping for pickling spice, quality matters—especially for canning and preserving.
What to Look For:
- Whole spices (not ground)
- No artificial additives
- Fresh aroma
- Organic or non-GMO options
- Clearly listed ingredients
Popular Buying Options:
- Organic pickling spice
- Bulk pickling spice for canning
- Artisan or small-batch blends
- Kosher or gluten-free pickling spice
Buying high-quality pickling spice ensures better flavor extraction and longer shelf life.
How Long Does Pickling Spice Last?
Whole pickling spices typically last:
- Up to 1 year when stored properly
- Longer if kept airtight, away from heat and sunlight
If the aroma has faded, it’s time to replace your pickling spice.
Final Thoughts
Pickling spice is an essential pantry staple for anyone interested in home preserving, fermenting, or flavor-forward cooking. Whether you buy a high-quality blend or make your own homemade pickling spice, using whole spices ensures deeper, more complex flavors.
From classic pickles to creative culinary experiments, pickling spice offers endless possibilities—and mastering it can take your recipes to the next level.