From sourpuss lemon to sickeningly sweet kool-aid, these pickles are changing the way we see our favorite tangy dills.
The US is admittedly a bit strange when it comes to food combinations. Whats even more unusual are the hardcore feelings many have towards pickles: It seems that most people either love them to the point of gulping pickle juice or hate them to the point of holding their nose when a jar is opened. In this, theres good news and bad news for both parties: There are more things than just pickles that can be pickled, however, theyre not always as satisfying as those crunchy dills. In fact, some of them are downright disgraceful to the pickling world as we know it.
From another pickled veg to pickles flavored like sugary drinks, the US seems to know no limit when it comes to these briny, vinegar-based snacks. Their versatility allows them to be used on burgers, in relishes, and as toppings, but some of these pickled foods make us question how they could possibly be used, let alone snacked on.
When it comes to the perfect accompaniment to a lunchtime sandwich, theres simply no alternative to the classic dill. Many twists on the pickle have been staged over the years from zesty garlic to the spicy habanero, which is great when pickle-lovers need a break from the norm, but we have to question some of the more bold flavors… and please, leave the kool-aid at home!
3. Watermelon Rind. Stop throwing away your summer watermelon rind and start pickling them for a crunchy, sweet-and-salty snack. You’ll cut away most of the very hard green exterior of your rinds and pickle the white meaty part of the rind in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices.
Lemon Pickles From The West Coast
For the truly tangy and sour, pickled lemons are the pickle to choose from. Its unclear why various parts of the US have different ideas of what should be pickled, but its almost a relief that the west coast chose lemons – otherwise, theyd probably try pickling avocado for their morning toast.
Pickled lemons are, first and foremost, pretty sour. However, for those who appreciate the brine and vinegar in a hardcore dill pickle, a pickled lemon will be an utterly joyous experience. Watch out, though – some do come with a bit of a sweeter brine in order to achieve the lemonade aesthetic, which isnt always desirable upon biting into a pickled lemon and expecting to be met with a sour face.
Beet Pickles, The Healthy Alternative
A southern favorite, beet pickles are nothing new on the scene. They are, however, quite the substitution for regular pickles. Similar to cucumber pickles, these also come in two flavors: Sweet and spicy. As for their flavor, well… For those who love beets, theyll be the most pleased.
These “pickles” are far sweeter than any a pickle-lover is likely to try and their red color gives them a unique appearance to boot. Biting into one of these is definitely not the experience of a normal pickle, but its interesting nonetheless. Those traveling down south can find them in large jars (which are needed to fit their bulbous beet shape) floating around in a dark red liquid, which could be confused for a horror movie prop rather than a jar of pickled beets.
Say Something Weird for a Pickle
FAQ
What are some weird combinations with pickles?
Is there anything you can’t pickle?
What kind of things can I pickle?
Are pickles the weirdest & tastiest pickle trends?
You may even plunk a pickle in your booze when the mood strikes. You dare to dream, and that creativity, combined with a craving for that salty pickle goodness, has led to some of the weirdest and tastiest pickle trends we’ve seen. From desserts to drinks, and everything in between, pickles bring a load of flavor to the table.
Are pickles bad for health?
Pickles can have health benefits and harms. On the one hand, they are sources of probiotics, vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, they are high in sodium and vinegar, which can increase blood pressure, damage tooth enamel and interfere with blood sugar control, especially for diabetics. The ideal is to look for a nutritionist to evaluate your case individually.
What foods can you pickle?
Pickling is a popular way of preserving fresh, in-season produce for eating year-round. Vegetables and fruits benefit from the tangy addition of vinegar-based brines, creating a deliciously layered condiment that goes well with sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls. From blueberries to beets, these are our 40 favorite foods to pickle.
What are the best Pickles?
Dill pickles are the preferred pickle of choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with spicy pickles, bread and butter pickles, or your grandma’s recipe for homemade pickles. Dive in to see some of the wild and wonderful culinary creations we’ve found featuring those sensational spears.