Step 1: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly in cold water. Slice a small sliver off the blossom end of each cucumber to ensure they stay crunchy throughout the easy sun pickle recipe process.
Step 2: In a large pitcher, combine the filtered water and pickling salt. Stir vigorously until the salt is completely dissolved to create the brine for your easy sun pickle recipe.
Step 3: Into two clean quart-sized glass jars, distribute the garlic, fresh dill, peppercorns, and mustard seeds evenly.
Step 4: Pack the cucumbers into the jars tightly, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. If using a grape leaf, tuck it in the middle of the cucumbers.
Step 5: Pour the brine over the cucumbers until they are completely submerged. If using vinegar, add it now before topping off with brine.
Step 6: Place the lids on the jars loosely (do not tighten fully to allow gases to escape). Set the jars in a spot with direct, bright sunlight for 6 to 8 hours.
Step 7: At the end of the day, check the brine. If it has become slightly cloudy and the cucumbers have turned a dull olive green, the easy sun pickle recipe is working! Move the jars to the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating.