Live Free or Pickle

Refrigerator Pickling Spice Blend

New England has never been known for following the crowd. Inspired by the region’s revolutionary spirit and the famous “Live Free or Die” motto, Live Free or Pickle is Boston Spice’s tribute to everyone who believes homemade is always better.

Some people buy pickles.

Around here, we prefer to make them.

Why surrender your cucumbers—or any other perfectly good vegetable—to ordinary store-bought pickles when you can declare your independence and create your own?

Featuring a bold blend of dill seed, mustard seed, coriander, garlic, black peppercorns, and select spices, Live Free or Pickle makes it easy to create flavorful refrigerator pickles with the kind of homemade taste that keeps everyone reaching back into the jar.

Simply add 2 teaspoons of Live Free or Pickle to every 1 cup of your favorite pickling brine, pour it over fresh vegetables, and let time work its magic. It’s the perfect place to start, but feel free to experiment with a little more or a little less seasoning until every batch tastes just the way you like it.

From cucumbers to cauliflower and beyond, if it fits in a jar, it’s probably worth pickling. Try it with carrots, green beans, onions, peppers, asparagus, and mixed garden vegetables.

Forget finding yourself in a pickle.

Make one.

No canning. No pressure cooker. No complicated process. Just fresh vegetables, your favorite brine, and a little patience.

Because some revolutions don’t start with tea...

They start with pickles.

After all, around here, we believe freedom tastes a whole lot better with a little crunch.

Our spice. Your vegetables. Your brine. Pickle on.

Ingredients: dill seed, mustard seed, coriander seed, dried minced garlic, black peppercorns, celery seed.

Live Free or Pickle Refrigerator Pickling Guide

Making delicious homemade refrigerator pickles couldn't be easier. No canning. No pressure cooker. Just fresh vegetables, a simple pickling brine, and a little patience.

Basic Refrigerator Pickling Brine

Ingredients:

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon table salt
• 2 teaspoons Live Free or Pickle

Directions

1. Whisk together the vinegar, water, salt, and Live Free or Pickle until the salt dissolves.
2. Fill a clean jar with your favorite fresh vegetables.
3. Pour the brine over the vegetables until completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate.
5. Begin tasting after a few days. The flavor continues to develop the longer the vegetables remain in the brine.

Chef Steven's Tip: The recommended amount is 2 teaspoons per cup of pickling brine, but don't be afraid to experiment with a little more or a little less seasoning until every batch tastes just the way you like it.

Recipe Tip: This recipe makes 1 cup of pickling brine. Need more? Simply double, triple, or multiply the ingredients to make as much brine as you need.

Great Vegetables for Pickling

Cucumbers

The classic refrigerator pickle.

• Spears
• Chips
• Whole baby cucumbers

Ready in: 3–7 days

Cauliflower

Crunchy, colorful, and one of our favorites.

• Cut into bite-sized florets.

Ready in: 5–7 days

Carrots

Sweet, crisp, and packed with flavor.

• Baby carrots
• Carrot sticks
• Sliced carrots

Ready in: 5–7 days

Green Beans

An old-fashioned deli favorite.

Trim the ends and leave whole.

Ready in: 4–7 days

Onions

Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads.

• Red onions
• Sweet onions
• White onions

Ready in: 2–5 days

Asparagus

One of the best vegetables for refrigerator pickling.

Ready in: 4–7 days

Mixed Garden Vegetables

Don't stop at one vegetable!

Try combining:

• Cucumbers
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Onions
• Peppers
• Asparagus

One jar...

Endless combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the brine ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store prepared brine in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes! Start with 2 teaspoons of Live Free or Pickle per cup of pickling brine, then adjust to your own taste in future batches.

How long do refrigerator pickles last?

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within 3–4 weeks while keeping them refrigerated.

Do I need to can them?

No.

Live Free or Pickle is designed specifically for refrigerator pickles, making homemade pickling quick, easy, and fun.