Spears of Influence

Place 6 clean 1-pint jars right side up on a rack in a boiling-water canner. Fill the canner and jars with hot water, about 1-inch above the tops of jars. Boil jars over high heat for 10 minutes. Remove and drain hot sterilized jars one at a time, reserving hot water for processing filled jars. Place jars on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.

In another large pot filled with water, bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to a simmer, then add clean lids and lid rings. Simmer lids for 10 minutes; do not boil, as this may cause problems in sealing jars. Drain lids and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, mix together 4 cups of water with vinegar, salt, lime juice, and cumin. Bring to a boil, and immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Whisk brine mixture occasionally to ensure that salt dissolves and cumin is evenly distributed.

Divide peppercorns, garlic, pickling spice, and dill flowers or sprigs evenly between sterilized jars. Slice cucumbers lengthwise into 4 to 6 wedges. If cucumbers are longer than 4 inches, trim to size. Fill jars snugly with cut cucumbers, leaving just enough room to remove a spear with relative ease.

Return brine mixture to a boil and transfer to a heatproof glass measuring cup with a spout. Pour the brine mixture, whisking as necessary, into the jars up to the fill line, making sure all solids are covered.

Put lids and rings on jars and tighten; do not over-tighten. Reheat water in the canner until it reaches at least 180 degrees, within 10 minutes of filling the jars. Place filled jars into the canner one at a time, using a jar lifter that is securely positioned below the neck of the jar. Keep jars upright at all times.

Add more boiling water, if needed, so that water covers jars by at least 1-inch. Increase heat to high and cover. Once water begins boiling, heat jars for 7 minutes. Turn off heat and gently transfer jars to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, taking care not to tilt jars and spacing each jar at least an inch apart. Avoid placing jars on a cold surface or near a cold draft.

Let jars sit undisturbed until fully cooled, 12 to 24 hours. Do not tighten ring bands on the lids or push down on the center of the flat metal lid until jar has cooled completely.

Once jars have cooled, test to make sure each jar is completely sealed. Press down on the middle of the lid with a finger. If lid springs up when finger is released, the jar is unsealed. Store sealed jars in a cool place for at least 2 and up to 4 weeks to allow flavors to thoroughly combine. If any of the jars are unsealed, store in the refrigerator and use within several days. Always refrigerate pickles after opening.