Crunchy Pickled Banana Peppers: 1 Joyful Jar

Q: How long do pickled banana peppers last?

When you properly water bath can them, these pickled banana peppers can last for about a year to 18 months in a cool, dark pantry. That's the beauty of canning! Once you open a jar, though, you’ll want to keep it refrigerated. Opened jars usually stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks, but honestly, they're so delicious, I doubt they'll last that long!

Question 1

Can I make refrigerator pickles instead of canning?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you're not ready to dive into water bath canning just yet, you can totally make these as refrigerator pickles. Just follow the steps for preparing the peppers and packing the jars as usual, but skip the water bath processing. Make sure the brine covers everything completely, seal the jars tightly, and store them in the fridge. They'll be ready to enjoy in about a week, and they're wonderfully crunchy! You won't get the super long shelf life of canned goods, but they're perfect for enjoying sooner.

Question 2

How long do pickled banana peppers last?

Accepted Answer

When you properly water bath can them, these pickled banana peppers can last for about a year to 18 months in a cool, dark pantry. That's the beauty of canning! Once you open a jar, though, you’ll want to keep it refrigerated. Opened jars usually stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks, but honestly, they're so delicious, I doubt they'll last that long!

Question 3

What can I substitute for pickling salt?

Accepted Answer

This is a common question! Pickling salt is special because it doesn't have any anti-caking agents, which can make your brine cloudy. The best substitute is kosher salt, but be careful with the amount – kosher salt is saltier than pickling salt. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2/3 the amount of kosher salt as pickling salt. For this recipe, if you use kosher salt, start with about 1.5 tablespoons instead of 2. Always make sure it dissolves completely! Some people also use sea salt, but again, watch the quantities, as it can vary.

Question 4

Why are my banana pepper rings mushy?

Accepted Answer

Oh no, mushy peppers are the worst! This usually happens if the peppers sat around too long before pickling, or if the brine wasn't hot enough when you packed the jars. Making sure you use fresh peppers and that the brine is at a rolling boil right before you ladle it into the jars is super important for keeping those crunchy pepper rings we love so much!

Pickled Banana Pepper Rings

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition