The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3962 — Pickled Gherkins, Another Method
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3962 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
For 3 bottles vinegar the source uses about 1½ glasses salt and 10 grains alum, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Lower in young wiped cucumbers, boil once and transfer to a jar.
After two or three weeks drain in a sieve, pack in a fresh jar and cover with cold strong vinegar previously boiled with black pepper, allspice and bay leaf.
The historic method tops with olive oil and ties the jar with animal bladder.
Historical editorial note: Alum and oil-layer preservation are obsolete; the vinegar process is not validated for modern safe storage.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3962. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.