Pickled Cucumbers: A Central and Eastern European Tradition

In Central and Eastern Europe, pickled cucumbers are more than a food — they’re a cultural staple, a sign of hospitality, and a must-have on every celebratory table. Across countries like Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and throughout the Balkans, it’s unthinkable to host a birthday, wedding, or holiday meal without a jar of crisp, salty, fermented cucumbers close at hand.

The tradition dates back centuries, rooted in the necessity of preserving fresh produce for the long winters. Families would ferment cucumbers during the short summer harvest, relying on nothing more than salt, water, and time. The result: naturally preserved pickles packed with flavor and probiotics, known as ogórki kiszone, castraveți murați, or солені огірки, depending on the region.

Traditional Eastern European Pickled Cucumber Recipe

1. Choose 1 kg of small, firm cucumbers — ideally freshly picked.
2. Sterilize your jar using hot water or by following this simple method.
3. Add to the bottom of the jar:
   • Dill stalks or seed heads
   • 3–4 halved garlic cloves
   • A slice of horseradish root
   • A few black peppercorns
   • Optional: cherry or blackcurrant leaves for flavor and crunch
4. Pack cucumbers tightly upright into the jar.
5. Boil 1 liter of water with 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt. Let it cool slightly.
6. Pour the brine over cucumbers to fully submerge.
7. Cover loosely and allow to ferment at room temperature for 2–4 days.
8. Move to a refrigerator or cellar to slow fermentation and preserve crunch.

These pickles are ready in about a week, though some prefer to wait longer for a stronger flavor.

Pickles at Every Celebration

In many Slavic and Balkan households, homemade pickles are more than a tradition — they’re a cultural necessity. They accompany hearty dishes, vodka toasts, and family conversations. A proper feast without them feels incomplete, and every guest expects that signature crunch on the table.

If you’re in London and looking to enjoy authentic Polish pickles without fermenting them yourself, here are a few trusted shops:

Where to Buy Polish Pickles in London

• If you’re in London and craving the real thing, here are trusted shops where you can find authentic ogórki kiszone (fermented Polish cucumbers):
• Mleczko Delikatesy – Multiple locations including Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush, and Greenford.
• Polsmak Polish Shop – A popular spot in Hammersmith for Polish deli products.
• Sami Swoi – Branches in Acton, Greenford, and Wembley; wide range of Polish groceries.
• Polski Sklep Orzeł – A neighborhood shop in Tottenham with traditional products.
• Piast Polish Deli – Based in Leytonstone, known for fresh deli items and pickles.
• Lituanica – A broader Eastern European store with branches across London and a good pickle selection.

Look for jars labeled ogórki kiszone — ideally unpasteurized and stored in brine rather than vinegar.

Whether homemade or store-bought, pickled cucumbers remain a flavorful link to tradition — the kind of food that belongs at every table, at every celebration.

And if you want to add a regional dessert to your table as well, look no further — this recipe for thick pancakes or fritters is a perfect sweet finish to a traditional Eastern European meal.

---