Homemade Saskatoon Pickle: A Sweet, Tangy, and Versatile Chutney & Relish Recipe

Discover the exquisite taste of homemade Saskatoon Pickle, a lightly spiced preserve bursting with the fresh, unique flavor of saskatoon berries. This sweet and tangy condiment is incredibly versatile, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. Think of it as a gourmet alternative to cranberry sauce or a delightful, mild chutney. It pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like ham, pork, chicken, turkey, and duck. Elevate your everyday meals by adding it to sandwiches, or impress your guests by serving it alongside a luxurious cheese platter. This recipe offers a unique and delicious way to capture the essence of saskatoon berries, making them last long after the harvest season.

The Quest for Saskatoon Berries: A Culinary Journey

This year brought an unexpected challenge to our saskatoon berry harvest. Our beloved bushes, usually so prolific, seemed to go on strike. We watched with disappointment as the few clusters of berries that appeared slowly ripened, then shriveled, and ultimately disappeared, becoming a feast for the local bird population. This left us pondering what might have caused such a meager yield, prompting us to research ways to rejuvenate these once-abundant plants.

Perhaps our saskatoon bushes, much like many of us, simply absorbed the unusual vibes of 2020. It’s almost as if they decided to opt for a season of hibernation, wanting to avoid the complexities of the year altogether. Whatever the reason, their reluctance left a void in our annual berry-picking traditions and our pantry planning.

Thankfully, our berry dilemma was joyfully resolved by the incredible generosity of friends. Garry and Meredith, whose saskatoon bushes experienced no such temperamental whims, gifted us with two pails brimming with plump, juicy, and perfectly ripe saskatoons. Their timely act of kindness not only saved our saskatoon season but also provided the inspiration to perfect this very special recipe. We extend our deepest gratitude to them for sharing their bounty!

With this generous supply, we were able to fully indulge in these sweet, delicious berries. More importantly, it gave me the perfect opportunity to make a couple more batches of the delectable saskatoon pickle recipe I had begun developing last year. After some meticulous tweaking and refining, I’m thrilled to announce that it’s now just right – balanced, vibrant, and ready for you to enjoy. This recipe truly captures the essence of these unique northern berries in a surprisingly versatile and delightful preserve.

From Berries to Brilliant Preserve: The Evolution of Saskatoon Pickle

Over the years, saskatoon berries have inspired countless culinary creations in my kitchen. I’ve joyfully transformed them into fluffy muffins, delicate scones, comforting pies, refreshing juice, creamy ice cream, and numerous jars of both jam and jelly. I’ve also canned them and frozen abundant quantities to enjoy throughout the year. However, among all these delicious preparations, the most exciting and truly unique taste sensation I’ve discovered is this most delectable Saskatoon Pickle.

This pickle isn’t just another preserve; it’s a delightful culinary hybrid, a sublime cross between a vibrant chutney, a rich fruit preserve, and a savory sauce. The initial spark for this recipe came from an unexpected source: an old 1979 ‘Women of Unifarm’ cookbook, a treasured collection of local recipes reflecting community heritage. The original concept was quite simple – berries pickled in brine. However, I envisioned something far more complex and flavorful.

My adaptation involved significantly reducing the sugar content to allow the natural berry flavor to shine, while simultaneously upping the ante on vinegar and a thoughtfully selected blend of spices. A crucial addition was a thickening agent, which transformed the thin brine into a luscious, glossy glaze. The result of these careful modifications is this utterly delicious and sophisticated Saskatoon Pickle: a tangy, sweet, and savory condiment, loaded with lightly pickled berries that swim in a pool of dark, glowing, spiced fruity glaze. Each spoonful is a testament to the versatility and depth of flavor these humble berries possess.

A Symphony of Flavor: The Taste and Texture of Saskatoon Pickle

This Saskatoon Pickle offers a mild yet incredibly complex flavor profile, showcasing the fantastic nutty and subtly smoky notes characteristic of saskatoon berries, beautifully accented with just a hint of warming spices. It truly is the perfect accompaniment to both cold cuts and hot meats, or as a star component on any sophisticated cheese platter.

I’ve found immense pleasure in simple snacks: toasted bread topped with creamy slices of brie cheese and a generous, deep purple puddle of Saskatoon Pickle. The combination is simply amazing. The berries themselves remain wonderfully firm, offering delightful, toothsome little pops of concentrated flavor within their shiny, tangy sauce. It’s a culinary masterpiece that is as visually appealing as it is utterly fantastic to eat – a true feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Your Winter Culinary Treasure: Versatile Serving Suggestions

I am incredibly excited to have this precious stash of homemade Saskatoon Pickle gracing my pantry shelves, ready to be enjoyed throughout the coming winter months. Each jewel-toned jar holds a culinary treasure, promising to elevate all kinds of meals. We’ve already enthusiastically devoured this saskatoon pickle with succulent pork chops, hearty roasts, perfectly grilled chicken, and as a flavorful spread on everyday sandwiches. Its versatility makes it an indispensable condiment.

This pickle is truly fantastic as a vibrant alternative to traditional cranberry sauce during festive occasions like Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas goose. It’s also a real treat served alongside roasted ham or with delicious leftover cold sliced ham. Its unique tang and sweetness perfectly complement a wide array of cheeses, making it a genuine star of any charcuterie platter. Simply tuck a small, elegant bowl of Saskatoon Pickle among a beautiful array of artisanal sausages, gourmet cheeses, and crispy crackers to create an unforgettable spread.

Explore More Saskatoon Berry Delights

If you love the unique flavor of saskatoon berries as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other tasty recipes:

• Saskatoon Juice (And How to Easily Clean Your Saskatoon Berries)
• Saskatoon Roll or Saskatoon Cobbler (And How to Freeze Your Saskatoon Berries)
• Old Fashioned Saskatoon Pie
• Canned Saskatoons and Saskatoon-Peach Preserve
• Saskatoon Jelly
• Prairie Mess (Eton Mess with Saskatoons and Rhubarb)
• Gluten Free Saskatoon Scones
• Saskatoon Muffins
• Saskatoon Slump
• Saskatoon Ice Cream Made with Homemade Saskatoon Jelly
• Pork Chops with Saskatoon and Green Apple Chutney

For me, summer just isn’t complete without the sheer joy of indulging in a generous fix of delicious saskatoon berries. There’s truly nothing quite like stuffing my face with these unique Canadian treasures at least once every season!

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Kitchen Frau Notes: If you’re new to canning or simply hesitant about the process, don’t let that stop you from making this incredible Saskatoon Pickle! You can easily make half of this recipe; just pour the prepared saskatoon pickle into clean jars or containers with tight-fitting lids, and store them in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 6 months. Alternatively, make the full recipe and share the bounty with friends and family (just be sure to instruct the lucky recipients to store their jars in the fridge). This allows everyone to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors without the need for traditional canning.

The saskatoon berry season can be fleeting, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! If fresh saskatoon berries are no longer available where you live, you can absolutely make this recipe with frozen berries. Simply thaw them gently before incorporating them into the recipe, and they will work just as wonderfully.

Saskatoon Pickle Recipe

This recipe yields about 5 pints of delicious saskatoon pickle, with a little extra left over for immediate sampling! It’s the perfect amount to enjoy fresh and store for later.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs (2.27kg or approximately 16 cups) saskatoon berries, carefully picked over and thoroughly rinsed
• 2 cups (400gms) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) apple cider vinegar, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground if possible for best flavor
• 6 tablespoons (45gms) cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar, 1½ cups (360ml) of the apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to gently simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors and allows the liquid to become slightly syrupy.
3. Add the prepared saskatoon berries to the pot. Increase the heat slightly and bring the entire mixture back to a boil, stirring gently from time to time to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer the berries gently for an additional 10 minutes. The berries will begin to soften and release their juices.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup (120ml) of apple cider vinegar until completely smooth and no lumps remain. This slurry will act as your thickening agent.
6. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering saskatoon pickle, scraping all the last bits in with a spatula. Return the fruit mixture to a boil and cook for just one more minute, stirring continuously, until the pickle has thickened to your desired consistency and appears clear and glossy.
7. Carefully ladle the hot saskatoon pickle into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply lids, and screw on the bands until finger-tight.
8. Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes according to proper canning procedures. (For detailed canning instructions, see method here). This ensures a safe, shelf-stable product.
9. After processing, allow the saskatoon pickle to rest for at least 48 hours for the flavors to fully develop and deepen. The jars, when stored in a cool, dark place, will keep for up to 2 years. Once opened, refrigerate any unused portions.

Makes approximately 5 pints, with a little extra to enjoy right away. Serve this delightful pickle with chicken, turkey, duck, pork, or as a unique accompaniment to a cheese board.

Guten Appetit!

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