Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back Its Fan-Favorite Summer Condiment and Shoppers Say ‘I’ll Take 10’

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Originally published by Parade on May 16th, 2024

Written By

The good times are definitely rolling with this one.

IMAGO / agefotostock

 

As far as flavors go, there aren’t too many more polarizing than the salty, sour taste of pickles. Briny, tangy, pungent, vinegary—you either love them enough to mix them into your Dr. Pepper or unequivocally hate them. And if you’re in the former camp like yours truly, you can eat your way through an entire jar of Famous Dave’s Spicy Dill Pickle Chips in one sitting. Whether you prefer the classic taste of a Vlasic or enjoy a more artisan take on the cuke’s vinegar-soaked version of metamorphosis, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the dill-icious flavor of (almost) everyone’s favorite sandwich accouterment.

Crispy cheese-wrapped pickles are the latest viral 2-ingredient snack

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Originally published by Good Morning America on February 17, 2023

Written by Kelly McCarthy

Over the last couple years, snack time has become a major part of work-from-home routines and defined new territory on TikTok, offering users quick and fun ways to throw together simple ingredients with minimal effort to achieve a tasty bite.

The latest viral recipe to fill social media feeds is a two-ingredient “pickle in a blanket” — a pickle spear wrapped in cheese that’s been melted in a non-stick frying pan until bubbly and crispy.

Food enthusiasts and cooks everywhere recognize that a great bite should try to deliver on texture and flavor, and at its best can hit all five tastes on the palate: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami.

Salty and sour is a delicious pairing — looking at you, salt and vinegar chips — but this new snack idea delivers similar flavors in a whole new way.

Claire Snyder first shared a video of her “guilty pleasure snack” on TikTok last month, which has since garnered 13 million views and more than 1.2 million likes, inspiring thousands of new iterations on food and “pickle-tok.”

“Start with some nonstick cooking spray,” Snyder explains in the video before laying down a slice of provolone cheese in a small frying pan. “It’s starting to get nice and melty and sizzling so I’m going to take my jar of pickles — take a pickle and just plop it in the middle of the slice of cheese.”

Once the cheese is “a little golden and hard” around the edges, Snyder folds the sides of the cheese around the pickle “like a little taquito.” Removing it from the pan, she sets it on a paper towel to remove any excess oils and gives it a taste.

“I don’t care if anyone says this is gross. It’s amazing,” she says after taking the first bite, hailing it’s satisfying crunch.

Of the hundreds of creators trying their hand at the trend, cookbook author and KaleJunkie creator Nicole Keshishian Modic, shared her spin on the snack with “Good Morning America.”

Crispy cheese-wrapped pickles are the latest viral snack.
KaleJunkie

“Salty from the cheese, tangy from the pickle and crunchy,” she said of the crispy cheese-wrapped pickle, celebrating with a small celebratory dance in her kitchen.

Are pickles good for you? Just 1 spear is packed with these vitamins and minerals

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Originally published by Today on December 11, 2023

Written By Caroline Kee

Love them or hate them, pickles are a classic salty, sour snack. But are they good for you? Experts discuss the health benefits and risks.

Valeriia Mitriakova / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Love them or hate them, pickles are having a moment. The salty, crunchy snack is a refrigerator staple, and it seems like everyone is making their own at home and sharing the results on social media.

“Pickles” usually refers to pickled cucumbers, though many other vegetables and fruits can be pickled. A cucumber becomes a pickle after it has been preserved in a solution of vinegar, or salt and water. This technique gives the pickle its signature salty, sour, tangy bite.

Are pickles good for you? And is it healthy to eat pickles every day? We spoke to experts to find out.

Pickles nutrition overview

The nutritional content of pickles will vary depending on the type, shape, flavor and brand. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one serving of the standard, store-bought dill or kosher dill cucumber pickles provides:

  • 5 calories
  • 1 gram of carbohydrates
  • 0 grams of protein
  • 0 grams of fat
  • 0.3 grams of fiber
  • 325 milligrams of sodium
  • 0.5 grams of sugar

One serving of pickles is about 1 ounce, which is equivalent to one spear or one-third of a large, whole dill pickle, registered dietitian nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth tells TODAY.com.

The serving size of pickles may vary depending on the size or cut of the pickle, but generally it ranges around 28 grams to 40 grams. If the pickles are in sliced or chip form, that’s about five slices.

Sweet pickles, often called “bread and butter pickles,” contain higher amounts of sugar and more calories than the standard dill variety, Largeman-Roth adds.

Pickles generally fall into two categories depending on how they are made.

Vinegar pickles

Most commercially sold dill pickles you find at the grocery store have been pickled in a vinegar brine, says Largeman-Roth. The brine also contains water, salt, sugar and spices, but it’s the acidic vinegar that makes the difference.

“They are then pasteurized to kill off any harmful bacteria, which also kills any probiotic bacteria,” Largeman-Roth adds. (Probiotics are microorganisms found in fermented foods that promote healthy bacteria growth in the body.)

Vinegar pickles are shelf-stable but require refrigeration after opening.

Quick pickles prepared at home also fall into vinegar-pickle category because they’re usually made by putting fresh cucumbers into a solution of salt, vinegar and seasonings for a shorter period of time, Largeman-Roth explains.

Fermented pickles

Fermented pickles have been placed in a brine of salt and water and left to sit in an airtight jar at room temperature for several weeks or longer, Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease Institute, tells TODAY.com.

“A chemical reaction occurs between the bacteria and the natural sugars to create lactic acid, which lets the pickles stay fresher longer,” Zumpano explains.

The lacto-fermentation process gives the pickles a sour tang — they’re often called “sours” or “half-sour” pickles.

You can make them at home or purchase them. They’re usually sold in the refrigerated section of the store or at the deli counter, the experts note.

Fermentation allows for probiotics to form in the brine, says Largeman-Roth, but the pickles need to be kept in the refrigerator to maintain the probiotic benefits. “When you pop open a jar of fermented pickles, you should see some bubbles on the surface,” says Largeman-Roth.

Regardless of where you got your fermented pickles, refrigerate the jar once you open it.

Health benefits of pickles

“Pickles are made from cucumbers which are a low-calorie, fat-free food (and also) a source of fiber, vitamins A and K, minerals, and antioxidants,” says Zumpano.

Pickles are a good source of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, Zumpano adds. Vitamin A supports healthy vision and immune function, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Vitamin K is good for the bones, says Largeman-Roth, and plays a key role in blood-clotting and wound-healing.

“Cucumbers themselves are naturally very low calorie, and the seasonings and spices added to make pickles are typically void of calories,” says Zumpano.

If your goal is managing or losing weight, pickles may be a good option for a low-calorie snack, the experts note. In this context, Zumpano recommends salty pickles over sweet pickles.

The sodium in pickles “may be beneficial for those who are working out a lot, like running or doing high-intensity activity and sweating a lot,” says Zumpano. Sodium is type of electrolyte, which are lost through sweating, she adds.

Some athletes also swear by drinking pickle juice to help with muscle cramps, TODAY.com previously reported.

Pickles may also be a smart snacking option for people who require a higher sodium intake, such as individuals with POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome), says Zumpano.

In any case, pickles should still be consumed in moderation.

Are pickles good for gut health?

If the pickles have been fermented, they are a good source of probiotics, which are good for gut health, the experts note.

“The probiotics in fermented pickles help support a good gut microbiome,” says Zumpano. “Probiotics improve good bacteria in your gut and help create better diversity of the bacteria.”

Pickles in a vinegar brine have been pasteurized, which kills the probiotic gut-healthy bacteria, says Largeman-Roth.

Health risks

When consumed in moderation, pickles are generally a safe and healthy food for most people — but they can be risky depending on a person’s underlying health.

“The main issue is the sodium content, which adds up quickly. Just four spears will net you 1000 milligrams, which can easily put you over the daily recommended intake of 2,300 milligrams,” says Largeman-Roth.

According to the American Heart Association, 90% of Americans consume too much sodium.

If you have heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease, eating too much salt can worsen these conditions, the experts note. “Those are the cases you definitely don’t want to be over-consuming pickles or maybe not consuming pickles at all,” says Zumpano.

Due to their high sodium content, pickles can also be risky for people with liver conditions, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, says Largeman-Roth.

The vitamin K content in pickles could also be a downside for some, as vitamin K interferes with anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin and coumadin, says Largeman-Roth.

Is it OK to eat pickles every day?

Yes, it’s OK to eat pickles every day if you stick to the recommended serving size and the pickles aren’t pushing you over the limit for your daily recommended sodium intake, the experts say.

“Most pickle lovers will dip into the jar more than once, which will definitely rack up the sodium. If you enjoy pickles, just keep the serving size in mind,” Largeman-Roth suggests.

The experts recommend thinly slicing or chopping up pickles to make the portion go a little farther.

If you’re on a low-sodium diet, pickles should not be consumed on a regular basis, says Zumpano. People with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease should only enjoy pickles as a once-in-a-while treat, says Largeman-Roth. Always talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

If you’re regularly eating pickles, it’s also important to balance out the sodium content with plenty of fresh, low-sodium produce, like fruits and leafy greens, says Largeman-Roth.

Moderation is key. If you notice your hands or feet are swelling or that you’re extremely thirsty, your body may be telling you to eat less salt, says Zumpano.

Which pickles are healthiest?

At the store, you’ll find a wide variety of pickles in different shapes, sizes and flavors. If you’re choosing between brands, Zumpano recommends comparing the labels and opting for pickles with lower sodium and sugar content.

“Look for pickles without high-fructose corn syrup, and try to avoid the ones with yellow dye added,” Zumpano adds.

The healthiest pickles, according to the experts, are going to be probiotic-rich fermented varieties, such as a deli-style kosher dill.

Making pickles at home — whether fermented or pickled in vinegar — may also be the healthiest option because it allows you to control the amount of sodium, the experts note. “Pickling yourself is ideal. Then you can add other herbs and seasonings like garlic or turmeric … to maximize the nutritional benefit,” says Zumpano.

Low-sodium, fermented pickles may also be a better option for people who are watching their sodium intake, the experts add.

The reason so many people are putting pickles in Dr Pepper right now — and how it tastes

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Originally published by Today May 9th, 2024

Written by Joseph Lamour

“… it’s sick and wrong… but part of me wants to try it…” wrote one Reddit user.

A TikToker made this @mississippimemaw via TikTok

There’s a sour, green drink hack taking over Sonic, and fans of the mixed beverage have helped it go viral online calling it the perfect sip.

On May 1, TikTok user Mississippi Memaw (@mississippimemaw) shared a video of her ordering a pickle-filled Dr Pepper at the drive-through of her local Sonic. The video generated 3.8 million views and brought attention to a regional beverage remix that’s been bubbling under the radar.

“Do y’all like pickles? Do y’all like Dr Pepper? Well come on with Memaw, cause Memaw’s fitting to show you something,” the TikToker states in her video.

After patiently waiting in the drive-through, a restaurant worker takes Memaw’s order of a large Dr Pepper with pickles. Missing from the exchange is what some might expect to be confusion, although the worker does say she has to charge the customization by marking it down as cherries.

The TikToker breezily gets her drink order, paying $3.62 for the concoction.

“Alright I done put my straw in my cup, but let’s see what it looks like,” Memaw says, showing off the floating dill pickle slices in her soda pop.

“Don’t knock it till you try it. If you like pickles and you like Dr Pepper, and you’re probably like ‘Ew gross, I would never ever drink that,’ but there’s a lot of people that do drink this,” Memaw says, stirring the pickles further into her drink. “Did you hear her, the way she took my order? I’m not the only person that’s ever ordered this, babe.”

Finishing the video by enjoying a long sip of the drink, Memaw encourages her viewers to try it for themselves. “It’s really good. Y’all should try it.”

Memaw’s short and sweet video seems to have struck a nerve, with nearly 6,500 comments talking about the flavor combination.

“me and 2 year old tried it today!! new favorite,” wrote one commenter. “I got to try this at home bc the way my sonic would call the police on me 😬😮‍💨,” wrote another.

“I’ve been drinking dr pepper with pickles since the late 80s,” someone already aware of the beverage chimed in. “But it has to be Best Maid dill!!”

Referring to the Sonic employee, someone wrote, “I love how she isn’t even phased 🤣👏,” to which Memaw replied, “Nope 🤣.”

Some people who say they are current and former Sonic employees shared their experiences as well.

“This was the strangest order I ever remember getting when I worked at Sonic in high school. 🤣,” wrote one user. “I have worked for Sonic for over 20+ years and I have never gotten a customer that has ordered a pickle Dr Pepper,” wrote another, with someone else adding, “it’s probably a regional thing that’s common to order.”

Since Memaw’s video went viral, it seems a lot of people are ordering this menu hack. Some are sharing their favorable and negative reviews on the platform, garnering thousands of views themselves.

There are so many people interested in the briny beverage that a Sonic worker — who spoke to TODAY.com and asked to be referred to as Macy — took to TikTok to express confusion at the sudden uptick.

“I’ve had three people order pickles in their Dr Pepper today what is happening,” reads an on-screen caption on the video, which had 1.1 million views at the time of reporting.

Sonic confirmed to TODAY.com it has noticed more orders of what it’s calling a “Dr. Pepper Pucker.”

“With thousands of unique ways to customize your drink at SONIC, we are no stranger to seeing our fans create fun and unexpected flavor combinations,” a Sonic representative tells TODAY.com.

“The addition of pickle slices was a new one though, and we’ve seen an increase in guests adding them to their drinks over the past week,” the rep continues. “While the ‘Dr. Pepper Pucker’ is not an official drink on SONIC’s menu, we appreciate and encourage the creativity. And who knows… if your drink innovation is popular enough, it might just end up on our menu!”

A representative for Keurig Dr Pepper tells TODAY.com that while the team isn’t aware of any pickle-flavored drinks in the brand’s history, it’s something they’re keeping the door open for.

“With regards to future flavors, we always explore new flavors and trends and love that Dr Pepper fans always find a way to make it their own,” the rep says.

What does a Dr Pepper with pickles taste like?

I am a giant Dr Pepper fan — in fact, it’s my preferred soda. I’m also fond of pickles. but the Dr Pepper Pucker seemed very strange to me.

Still, as someone who has dared to try Hidden Valley Ranch-flavored ice cream with open arms, I had to give this flavor combination a taste. Admittedly, I tried this with ingredients I had at home as my closest Sonic is nearly an hour away.

My first thought when I learned about the drink was, “People are just doing anything these days, huh.” But then, I tried it. And, reader, I didn’t hate it! I really thought I would, but then I remembered some of my favorite cocktails are greatly improved with the addition of a vinegar-based shrub.

In this drink, the briny nature of the pickles adds a little something extra to the sweet and fruity flavors of a Dr Pepper. I drank the whole thing and imagined I would love to add a shot of whiskey while enjoying a rack of barbecue ribs this summer.

The original TikToker, who asked to be referred to as Memaw to protect her identity, says while she has indeed inspired tons of folks to put pickles in their Dr Pepper, she wants to stress she didn’t originate the drink.

“It has been around for a long time,” Memaw tells TODAY.com. “I’m not gatekeeping it and I didn’t invent it.” Memaw adds she first learned about the drink roughly nine years ago when her daughter asked her to pick one up from Sonic.

She tried it and the rest is history. “My daughter at the time was 16. She’s 25 now, and she’s the one that got me to try it for the very first time,” Memaw says.

The creator points to folks mentioning theNorth Carolina What-A-Burger drink called a Witch Doctor — a mix of soda fountain flavors, pickle juice, pickle slices and a lemon wedge — as another variation of this not-so-new idea, and a Reddit user wrote about the Sonic hack back in 2021.

“… it’s sick and wrong… but part of me wants to try it…” one commenter on Reddit wrote.

Macy, who also went viral, says their restaurant in Tennessee has seen a constant influx of orders for the drink since Memaw’s video.

“I haven’t tried it yet, but my coworkers said it’s actually kind of good,” Macy tells TODAY.com. “I still wouldn’t say it’s common, but a lot of people have tried it or at least asked about it now.”

Memaw says while she’s glad people are responding well to the video, she’s just going about her life with her four children and five grandchildren, noting that no one in her town is batting an eye at her viral fame.

“I didn’t expect it to go viral,” she says. “If I did, I would have at least washed my hair, you know,” she adds with a laugh. “I had it up on a clip and I was like, ah well.”

US pickle shortage tied to extreme weather in Mexico

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Originally published by Fox 10 Phonenix on May 3, 2024

Written by Andrew Wulfeck 

Every year, Americans consume more than 20 billion pickles, but recently, consumers have noticed some restaurants warning of a “national pickle shortage.”

The warnings from restaurants such as Firehouse Subs, local delis and others are generally bona fide, as both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and experts from North Carolina State University say that the combination of reliance on imports and extreme weather could impact supplies.

“There indeed has been a shortage in pickling cucumbers, and it has to do with reduced supply from Mexico,” Jonathan Schultheis, a professor in horticultural science at N.C. State University, told FOX Weather. “In certain growing regions, it has been too hot (100 °F), which reduces yields. In other key production regions in Mexico, it has been too cold. The crop has not suffered from freezes but temperatures that do not promote pickling cucumber growth.”

Annually, the U.S. imports over a million tons of fresh cucumbers, with around 75% coming from Mexico, but imports may be off by at least 7%, according to USDA estimates.

File: Pickles (Credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

It is this reliance on imports that has some businesses in a pickle.

El Nino impacts on harvesting

A climate cycle known as El Niño has led to extreme weather across Mexico’s 31 states.

Generally, the warm water in the central and eastern Pacific causes increased rainfall and cooler conditions over the winter and warm, dry heat over the summer.

Pickling cucumbers grow best when temperatures are between 70 °F to 90 °F, but a constant has been relatively hard to find.

Vast regions of the country have also been experiencing drought conditions, leading to low water levels in reservoirs.

The country’s National Water Commission has even restricted the flow of some water reservoirs due to the increased strain and demand.

And cucumbers require a decent amount of precipitation, with growers suggesting the crops need about one inch of water per week during the season.

Most of Mexico’s annual rainfall happens during the summer monsoon, but its varying levels of activity means the weather phenomenon is not a dependable drought buster.

COCOA PRICES SURGE TO 44-YEAR HIGH AS EXTREME RAINFALL DEVASTATES CROP IN WEST AFRICA

Don’t blame Mexico for trade disparity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the country’s production of cucumbers and certain types of squash have declined despite consumers’ increase in demand for healthy vegetables.

In fact, consumption in recent years has grown by more than 24%, according to government estimates.

The United States International Trade Commission has investigated claims about unfair trading competition – an allegation the agency has found has no merits.

Trade groups have noted that the increase in imports of cucumbers is due to a lack of laborers, poor weather in the Southeast, and consumers’ taste buds favoring the consistency of Mexico’s products over those produced domestically.

“Imports from Mexico have surpassed U.S. domestic production and have become a major source of cucumber and squash supply in the U.S. market. This shift has also occurred in other fresh produce sectors such as fresh market tomatoes and peppers. The trend observed in fresh produce is consistent with the overall fast pace of growth of U.S. agricultural imports from Mexico,” specialists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences previously noted.

Whether Mexico’s production can turn around and overcome weather extremes remains to be seen, but there are plenty of other countries in the Americas that could aid in the pickle dilemma.

The Best Pickle Brands For Every Occasion

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Originally published by Delish on May 31st, 2023

Written by Gabby Romero 

There’s truly a pickle for everybody.

It’s no secret that we love pickles. We’ve used the salty, tangy snack in guacamole, potato salad, and even as a low-carb swap for sandwich bread. And you can’t forget about the brine either. Why pour that liquid gold down the drain when you can mix it into a salad dressing or brine your holiday turkey? There’s probably a version of any pickle recipe you can think on Delish. When it comes to ingredients, pickles are our bread and butter (pun intended).

Pickling has been used to preserve foods for millennia. Back before we had modern refrigeration, salt was the best way to extend the lifespan of fruits and veggies. But while there are still practical reasons behind this technique, pickles are also enjoyed as a specialty ingredient in their own right. They can be made the old-fashioned way with salt or quick pickled with a vinegar-based brine. And now pickles come in nearly every shape, size, and flavor.

But with such a wide variety, it’s difficult to decide which pickle brand belongs in your fridge. So we did the hard work for you by trying every jar we could get our hands on. Delish hosted a super-scientific taste test to determine which pickles are best for any and every occasion. Whether you need something to stack in a sandwich, a travel-approved snack pack, or the perfect pickle to eat straight out of the jar—we’ve got you covered.

McClure’s came the closest to offering the perfect pickle. These pickles manage to infuse the cucumber with a deeply savory tang without compromising the crunch. The combo of dill and garlic keeps the flavor classic and adaptable for just about any application. One of our editors said it simply: “McClure’s always hits.”

Dill lovers, this one’s for you. We tried many brands of dill pickles only to find that the herb has fallen to the wayside—but not with this jar. The Real Dill infuses their cucumbers with a strong dill flavor that offers an herbaceous counterpoint to the salty, sour tang.

Grillo’s Fresh Dill Pickle Spears CREDIT: SAM’S CLUB

Sometimes we’re craving a pickle that veers closer to a fresh cucumber, and Grillo’s hits the spot. They have a light, refreshing acidity and serious crunch factor. This is also the brand to buy if you’re planning on winning over proclaimed pickle haters. “They’re not too pickly—epic!” says video producer Marc Stauble.

We’ll be honest here: we don’t exactly love bread and butter pickles. Too many of them are cloyingly sweet and blow out our palates with just one bite. But, without a doubt, Bubbies converted everyone in our office.

These pickles are made with cane sugar, unlike the corn syrup you can find in many store brands. The natural source of sweetness is nicely balanced with the brine. “I kept going back for more. I simply love these pickles,” said one of our editors. In fact, many of us even said they could easily eat an entire jar.

Bubbies is back at it again, this time with their spicy kosher dills. The hot peppers provide a spice that “sneaks up on you,” according to one of our editors. “It’s still pickle-y but with a nice kick that doesn’t ruin your mouth,” another added.

Their signature blend of spices creates a pickle that tastes reminiscent of a hot Italian sausage in the best way possible. We could easily see ourselves using these in a sandwich or bringing them to a barbecue.

The key to a solid snap lies in the integrity of the cucumber skin. And no brand came close to the heft of Claussen’s kosher dill spears.

“After eating a lot of squishy, spongey pickles, it was nice to have one with a backbone,” said one of our editors.

When you want a savory low-carb snack, a pickle is the perfect pick. There’s a reason why gas stations offer bagged pickles to enjoy as a road trip treat. But those plastic wrapped cucumbers can’t hold a candle to Rick’s Picks Snacking Pickles.

These individually packaged bags are filled with savory and sour pickle spears that come in a variety of flavors. Our fave is the garlic dill—it captures that classic pickle flavor we know and love.

We considered a few things when it came to pickles for sandwiches, but the most important factor was texture. We need a pickle to stand up to all the other ingredients and bring a refreshing crispness.

Claussen Kosher Deli-Style Pickle Spears CREDIT: WALMART

Claussen’s pickles had the best texture out of any brand we tried. So naturally, their sandwich slices would be our top pick. These pickles are sliced with deep ridges to maximize the surface area and the crunch.

Cornichons are an adorable addition to any charcuterie board, but let’s be real: they’re also the ideal pickle to eat straight out of the jar. They’re crunchy, bite sized, and even come with a built-in strainer so you don’t have to dig your fingers deep into the container.

Maille’s cornichons are the best in the business because of their bright, salty bite and strong mustard seed-infused spice.

If you consider yourself a pickle connoisseur or want to give a salty, briny gift to someone special, you should absolutely splurge on getting a delivery of these pickles from Katz’s Delicatessen.

If you’ve never been to this New York City institution, it’s an iconic deli that’s been slinging sandwiches and Jewish specialty foods since 1888. And it’s even the place where they filmed that iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally—”I’ll have what she’s having.”

Their half sour pickles are made in house the old-fashioned way with salt and lactofermentation. They’re crisp, salty, garlicky, and worth every penny.

Who said pickles can only be made with cucumbers? Brands everywhere are offering up different pickled vegetables to switch up the status quo. And if you want to expand your pickle horizons, you need to pick up a pack of Oh Snap’s Pretty Peas.

These snap peas stay super crisp and pick up a light tang. It has a similarly vegetal flavor that we love in a standard pickle with a boost of natural sweetness. We’d gladly eat these as a snack or chopped up in a salad.

The ‘world’s largest pickle party’ is coming to Philly this summer.

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Originally published by PhillyVoice  on April 02, 2024

Written by Chirs Compendio 

AARON RAYSOR/THE BIG DILL

The Big Dill festival is touring this year, with stops in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Dallas. The picture above is from a previous festival in Baltimore

 

Being in a pickle will take on a whole new meaning this summer in Philly.

The Big Dill, which claims to be the “world’s largest pickle party,” is coming to Philly on June 15 at Xfinity Live! Early bird tickets will go on sale Wednesday.

“The Big Dill is no ordinary event; it’s a movement,” said Kevin Baxter, the event’s founder. The festival, which began in 2019, has “become a global sensation, with fans traveling from all over the world to participate in this event,” according to Baxter.

Participants with a penchant for pickle products can partake in food and drink tastings from several vendors. Among the festival’s offerings will be pickle pizza, pickle grilled cheese and even pickle ice cream, with drinks including pickle margaritas, pickle bloody marys and pickleback shots — which are whiskey shots with pickle juice chasers.

Among the activities are pickle eating contests, mechanical pickle riding at PBR Philly and a pickle rave hosted by Xfinity Live! Director of Entertainment Jay Roy. Musicians, DJs, mummers and mascots will perform throughout the day.

Attendees can also go rock climbing and axe throwing — naturally, there are opportunities to play pickleball, too. Family-friendly activities like face painting and a dedicated kids zone will be present as well.

This year, the Big Dill is touring through three cities. In addition to Philly, the festival will also be in Baltimore on Sept. 21 and Dallas at a later date.

While this event claims to be the “world’s largest pickle party,” there have been a few other noteworthy pickle festivals in Pennsylvania alone. Philly once hosted a Pickledelphia festival in 2018, and Pittsburgh has famously held Picklesburgh almost every year since 2015.

In 2022, the Big Dill had to get even bigger, as high demand led the festival to add a second day to its Baltimore event that year. For now, the Philly event will take place over one day, with tickets starting at $24.99 and VIP tickets going up to $109.99, with perks including a private brunch party, access to a “Pickle Plaza” and an “Ultimate Pickle Swag Bag.”

Should you make it to the party, be sure to relish the moment.

Saturday, June 15 | 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $24.99
Xfinity Live!
1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia

Change Up Your Chicken Salad Game With Different Relish Flavors

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Originally Published by Tasting Table on August 15, 2023

Written by Emma Segrest

 

Photo by Debbismirnoff

Chicken salad is a great dish for when you need to clean out your fridge. Cooked chicken, mayo, vegetables, relish, and more make up the versatile dish. Considering the ingredients’ flexibility, you can change up your chicken salad game by using different relish flavors. Various pickles and relishes are made with different spices and flavor profiles in mind. If you are intentional with your pairings, you can create more depth of flavor in your chicken salads that will elevate the classic dish.

To incorporate this into your dish, start off with about a tablespoon and a half of relish. You can always taste your dish and decide if it needs more. Relish boasts a strong and tangy flavor, though, and you don’t want it to overpower the dish. If you are using pickles instead of relish, be sure to chop them up finely so that big pickle chunks don’t dominate your salad.

Best types of relish and pickles to use

Dill pickle relish is a popular choice for salads. The dill delivers a fresh herby flavor, and the vinegar cuts through the mayo of the salad. If you decide to use dill pickles or dill pickle relish, you can complement the flavor by adding fresh dill to your recipe. If you prefer a little kick to your food, try a spicy dill relish or pickle to bring a subtle heat to the mild dish. For extra heat, mix in whole-grain mustard or a dash of Tabasco sauce.

If you are a fan of ingredients such as raisins or grapes in your chicken salads, consider trying a sweet relish or bread and butter pickles. These have less tang than their dill counterparts and offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet to your meal. Bread and butter pickles derive their flavor from the added sugar in the pickling mixture. That makes them the perfect pairing with sweeter ingredients.

Soak Steak In Pickle Brine And Buttermilk For A Tangy, Tender Bite

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Originally published by Tasting Table on August 13, 2023

Written by Matthew Spina

 

Photo by Mironov Vladimir

Marinating beef is nothing new, but within the world of steak-steeping solutions, there are way more options than you might realize. While classic choices might be a soy-sauce mix or a citrus-based carne asada, there are now many creative ways to both tenderize your cut and infuse it with unique flavors. You only need to look to chicken for inspiration, where pickle juice or buttermilk brines are used for anything from whole roast birds to fried chicken. In fact, a combination of those two ingredients is supposedly what gives the sandwiches at Chick-fil-A their incredible juiciness and flavor. Why wouldn’t you want to give steak a try with that?

A buttermilk and pickle juice brine for steak is very simple and can transform a basic cut with almost no additional ingredients. Pickle juice has plenty of salt to work as a brine, while buttermilk subs in for the acid you would normally get from vinegar or lemon juice. You can vary the ratio of buttermilk and pickle juice depending on your tastes, but if you drop the amount of pickle juice, just remember to compensate by adding some salt to the brine. Beyond that, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or spices like garlic powder, but the two core ingredients are all you truly need. Marinate your steak anywhere from an hour to overnight, pull it out, pat it dry, and cook using your preferred method for a shockingly bright and tender result.

A buttermilk and pickle juice brine can break down tough steak and add flavor

Photo by Natalya Stepowaya

Individually, buttermilk and pickle juice can be powerhouse marinades, but combined, they form something really special. Salt and acid can both act as tenderizers for meat, and pickle juice has both. It breaks down your steak’s muscle structure, which helps it retain moisture as it cooks, and as a little bonus, all the spices and flavor in the brine work their way into the cut. Buttermilk is also acidic but has something pickle juice is missing — fat. So not only does combining the two double the tenderizing power of your brine, it gives your taste buds everything they desire in one easy package. No wonder this stuff is so popular with lean pieces of chicken.

If you are going to use a buttermilk and pickle juice brine with steak, stick to tougher cuts that normally need a marinade, like flank or skirt steak. These cuts have tons of beefy flavor but will really benefit from an extended brine to break down their connective tissue. More tender cuts of steak can work well too, but cut down on the marinade time, as buttermilk and pickle juice’s tenderizing strength can actually turn meat mushy if you let it sit too long. As hard as it may be to hold back, with something as good as buttermilk and pickle brine, even a little goes a long way.

The Health Benefits of Dill Pickles – A Miraculous Tangy Delight

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Originally published by PINKVILLA on August 10, 2023

Written by Varsha Patnaik

 

Check out the health benefits of dill pickles – a flavorful and nutrient-rich food that supports digestion, provides antioxidants, promoting overall well-being.

The Health Benefits of Dill Pickles

Photo by PINKVILLA

Dill pickles are tangy and crunchy condiments that offer a plethora of benefits beyond their mouthwatering flavor. We will discuss the numerous health benefits of dill pickles in depth that might surprise you. These preserved cucumbers are packed with essential nutrients, probiotics, and antioxidants, and have attracted the attention of nutritionists and health enthusiasts all around the world to better understand their contribution to human health.

Pickling is a century-old method of preserving the harvests long after the season had passed. Traditionally they are preserved in a brine of vinegar, dill, garlic, and other spices which not only add a burst of flavor but also benefit health and wellbeing. However, it should be noted that dill pickles made with natural fermentation are more beneficial than store-bought pickles made with added preservatives. So let us talk about the benefits you can gain from the nutrient content and fermentation process of munching on a tasty dill pickle.

What Are Dill Pickles?

Traditional dill pickles are cucumbers that have been preserved through the process of pickling. The pickling process involves soaking cucumbers in a solution of vinegar or brine, along with various spices and seasonings. The key ingredient that gives dill pickles their distinctive flavor is dill weed, which imparts a slightly tangy and aromatic taste to the pickles.

Dill pickles can be made using different methods, such as:

  • Fermented Dill Pickles:

Fermented Dill Pickles:

These pickles are made by allowing the cucumbers to ferment naturally. During fermentation, beneficial bacteria break down the natural sugars in the cucumbers, producing lactic acid. This process gives fermented dill pickles their characteristic sour taste and offers a rich source of probiotics.

  • Quick Pickles:

Quick Pickles:

Also known as refrigerator pickles, these are made by soaking cucumbers in a vinegar-based brine and refrigerating them for a short period. Quick pickles do not undergo the fermentation process and are ready to eat after a few hours or overnight.

  • Olives Dill Pickles:

Olives Dill Pickles:

Olives are small, oval-shaped fruits that grow on olive trees. They have a distinct taste and are often used in various culinary applications. When they are added along with cucumbers to be preserved either by fermenting or soaked in preservatives such as vinegar or brine, they are called olive dill pickles. You can enjoy this as a snack, served alongside sandwiches, or use them to add a tangy taste to various dishes.

What are the health benefits of dill pickles?

1. Boosts Gut Health:

Dill pickles that are made from the fermentation process are packed with probiotic bacteria. These healthy bacteria which are usually present in all fermented foods provide numerous benefits to your gut health ranging from maintaining the right balance of digestive enzymes, boosting immunity, and preventing pathogenic or bad bacteria from flourishing in your gut. They protect your gut against pathogenic bacteria by producing bacteriocidal substances and competing for adherence in the gut (1).

2. Provides Antioxidant Properties:

Dill pickle is a good source of Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, beta-carotene, and phosphorus impart antioxidant properties to the dill pickles. These antioxidants are proven to fight free radical damage caused to the cells, preventing cell damage and early death. Therefore prolonged consumption of these may result in delayed aging and a lower risk of cancers, chronic disease, and age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases (2).

3. Strengthens Immunity: 

Cucumbers are known to be rich in an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A by our body (3). Carotene is a powerful compound that fights free radical damage caused to your cells, thus helping to improve heart health, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, and other age-related conditions (4).

4. Eases Muscle Cramps:

There are scientific pieces of evidence stating that consuming pickle brine might aid in alleviating muscle cramps. One of the factors that lead to muscle cramps is dehydration which is the resultant effect of an imbalance in electrolyte levels within the body. The high sodium and potassium concentration present in pickle brine may potentially help in rebalancing electrolytes and enhancing overall hydration. Nonetheless, there is limited research available on this topic (5).

5. Manage Insulin Resistance:

Consumption of pickle and pickle juices on a daily basis has been directly associated with lower insulin resistance. The main reason behind this is said to be the balance of normal gut microbiomes brought about by the probiotic organisms. This is because constant changes in gut microorganism colonies increase diabetes risk by enhancing insulin resistance and thus maintaining a healthy blood sugar level (6).

6. Help in Weight Management:

The main ingredient of dill pickles is cucumber – an extremely hydrating and low-calorie food. Therefore it offers a prolonged feeling of fullness (7). Moreover, pickles that are preserved in vinegar may help in healthy weight management as vinegar is known to have a direct correlation with the reduction of body fat mass. It reduces the body’s ability to absorb carbohydrates and stabilizes insulin spikes, both of which are related to offering a feeling of fullness to the body (8).

7. May Lower Cholesterol Levels:

Vinegar has shown positive results in reducing cholesterol content (8). Moreover, the probiotic bacteria in the fermented pickles are also responsible for reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL) in our bloodstream (1).

8. Efficient Wound Healing: 

Pickles are a rich source of Vitamin K which makes up for 20% of the daily recommended. Vitamin K is an important nutrient required for the effective stimulation of the blood clotting process. Therefore, consuming the recommended amount of Vitamin K ensures efficient wound healing in people (9).

Side Effects of Dill Pickles

While dill pickles can offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation, there are also potential ill effects associated with their consumption, particularly if consumed excessively or by certain individuals:

1. High Salt Content:

Dill pickles are typically high in salt found as sodium due to the brine solution used in their preparation. Excessive salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure, and water retention, and potentially exacerbate cardiovascular issues, especially in individuals with hypertension or those at risk of heart-related conditions. The high sodium content may also put patients suffering from chronic kidney disorders or liver issues in danger too as the electrolyte imbalance may put a lot of stress on these organs (10).

2. Calcium Erosion:

The acidic nature of pickles, especially the vinegar used in commercial varieties, can erode tooth enamel over time if consumed frequently or in large quantities. This can lead to dental sensitivity and other oral health problems (11). Moreover, an excessive amount of vinegar or acetic acid in cases where the body is not getting enough calcium may even lead to the leaching of bone structure and deteriorate bone health. This may lead to other bone-related issues such as osteoporosis (12).

3. Gastric Issues:

While fermented pickles can provide probiotics and support gut health, some commercial pickles which are made using vinegar lack these beneficial bacteria. Therefore, overconsumption of pickles lacking probiotics may alter the acidity in your digestive tract which in turn may lead to acidity and other gastric issues. Pickles have been also associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in people (13).

Conclusion:

There are several potential health benefits of dill pickles when consumed in moderation. They are low in calories and a good source of hydration, provide probiotics that promote a healthy gut and digestive system and contain antioxidants from the dill, which can help combat harmful free radicals in the body. However, it’s important to be cautious of their high sodium content, especially for individuals with hypertension or those on a low-sodium diet. To maximize the health benefits, it’s best to opt for natural and low-sodium varieties and incorporate dill pickles as per the daily allowance into your balanced and healthy diet. As research on this topic is limited, further studies may be needed to better understand the full range of health benefits that dill pickles can provide.