National Pickle Day

A smiling person holding a pickle jar, wearing a retro t-shirt, vintage fashion, old-style kitchen setting.. — National pickle day illustration

Brace your tastebuds, folks, for a journey into the tangy, salty world of pickles. You may adore them on your hamburger, fear them ominously lurking in your potato salad, or sneak them straight from the jar, but however you enjoy them, it's time to celebrate National Pickle Day.

When is Pickle Day?

It's national pickle day on the 14th November.

A Brief History of National Pickle Day

On the 14th of November, pickle enthusiasts around the world unite to honor these tasty, briny wonders. Since the internet began tracking mentions of National Pickle Day, the count has surged to a crunching 11,000 times! The bread and butter of these pickle nods happened on November 14, 2017, when sightings crested like a giant pickle wave.

The Pickle's Journey

Pickles have been around for thousands of years, dating back as far as 2030 BC when cucumbers from India were pickled in the Tigris Valley. Known as the granddaddies of pickled produce, cucumbers have paved the way for pickles of all kinds: gherkins, bread-and-butter, dills and even non-cucumber based delights for the adventurous among us. Let's raise a toast to this salty superstar!

Why Do We Celebrate National Pickle Day?

In modern times, they've become a staple in kitchens worldwide, and National Pickle Day is a chance to celebrate their ubiquity and versatility. So remember, whether you're a fan of the tanginess, you simply enjoy its crunchy texture, or you acknowledge the humble pickle for adding jazz to a bland sandwich - there's no better day to tickle your pickle fancy.

History behind the term 'Pickle'

2000 BC

Ancient Origins

The term 'pickle' traces its roots back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and India around 2000 BC. In these cultures, people started preserving cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices. This method was developed to extend the lifespan of cucumbers, allowing them to be consumed during periods of scarcity. These preserved cucumbers came to be known as 'pickle' from the Dutch word 'pekel,' meaning brine.

1659

Pickle in English Literature

The term 'pickle' gained recognition in English literature during the 17th century. In the play 'The Committee' written by Sir Robert Howard, the character Sir Francis Wronghead states, 'But to your pickle-herrings, there's vinegar, Cummin, and mustard seed in 'em.' This reference to 'pickle-herrings' suggests the widespread use of the term, indicating that pickling was a common preservation technique during this time.

1700s

Pickle as a Verb

During the 18th century, the term 'pickle' started being used as a verb. It meant to preserve or marinate food in a brine or vinegar solution. Various vegetables and fruits were pickled, including cucumbers, onions, and even watermelon rinds. This broader usage of the term solidified its place in culinary parlance and highlighted the versatility of pickling as a method of food preservation.

1920s

Pickle Industries and Innovation

The 1920s marked a significant period for the pickle industry. Advances in food technology, such as pasteurization and the introduction of glass jars with screw-on lids, revolutionized the commercial production and distribution of pickles. Large-scale pickle factories emerged, leading to an increase in variety, availability, and popularity of pickled products.

21st Century

The Pickle Craze

In recent years, pickles have experienced a resurgence in popularity. The 'pickle craze' has taken the culinary world by storm, with pickle-flavored snacks, beverages, and even ice cream gaining attention. From pickle festivals to pickle-themed merchandise, the cultural impact of pickles has extended beyond the kitchen. Pickles have become a symbol of both nostalgia and innovation, embodying the harmony between tradition and experimentation in the culinary landscape of the 21st century.

Did you know?

Did you know that the phrase 'in a pickle' was first introduced by Shakespeare in his play, The Tempest? Now there's a fun fact to share at your next dinner party - as long as pickles are on the menu, of course!