National Pickle Day
Every year on November 14, pickle lovers get the chance to celebrate National Pickle Day and indulge in their favorite pickles without any excuses.
Be it zesty dill pickles to add an extra kick to your sandwiches or sweet bread -and - butter varieties and fiery spicy pickles, there is something for everyone.
A world without pickles would be a pretty dull place! Just think about it, no crispy delights to elevate your burgers or sandwiches, and no tangy crunch to add some flair to your meals.
Origin of National Pickle Day
National Pickle Day was first observed in 1949, thanks to the encouragement of the Pickle Packers Association. This holiday was established to honor pickles as one of the world’s favorite fermented foods, celebrating their unique flavors and culinary versatility.
The Tangy History of Pickles
The history of pickles is as spicy as it tastes and traces back over 4,000 years which began in ancient Mesopotamia. People used to soak cucumbers in brine to preserve them.
It is also said that Queen Cleopatra swore by pickles for its countless health benefits, and Roman leaders like Julius Caesar believed that pickles strengthened their troops.
Dill was introduced to Europe somewhere around A.D. 900 which enhanced the pickling process.
Pickles became essential for sailors during the Age of Exploration as Christopher Columbus used them to prevent scurvy.
He started growing cucumbers in Haiti to have enough supply for his crew and by the 1650s Dutch farmers in the present-day Brooklyn started selling pickled cucumbers.
This led to a rapidly growing and booming pickle industry which especially flourished as immigrants from Eastern Europe brought kosher dill pickles to America.
Napoleon Bonaparte offered a reward for the best method of food preservation in the 19th century and French chef Nicolas Appert won by sealing food bottles to keep it fresh.
Mason jars were invented in 1858 which made it easier to can food at home, and by the late 19th century, H.J. Heinz used smart marketing to promote pickles at the Chicago World's Fair.
During the second World War, pickles were rationed for the armed forces, and the Pickle Packers International launched International Pickle Week in 1948 to celebrated them.
Players from the Philadelphia Eagles attributed their perseverance in a game to drinking pickle juice and research later supported its benefits to relieve cramps.
Celebrate National Pickle Day
National Pickle Day is an ideal opportunity to cherish the tangy goodness of pickles, and you can celebrate it by sampling different types like bread and butter, spicy ones or classic dill pickles.
You can also create pickled themed recipes such as pickle sandwiches or fritters or refreshing pickle juice cocktails.
Make sure to support local businesses by paying a visit to a deli or shop that specializes in pickles.
Share your pickle enthusiasm on social media with a “Happy National Pickle Day” message to spread the joy.
For a fun gathering, host a pickle tasting party with friends, or try your hand at pickling vegetables at home. These activities will help you fully enjoy this delicious day!
