Pickles make sandwiches taste so much better. Whether crunchy spears are served on the side or salty circular slivers are added on top of a burger, these condiments are a popular addition to every plate. Cucumbers, while (almost) equally delicious, spend some time on the shelf soaking in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and a variety of other spices like dill and garlic. After a period of time, varying from a few hours to a few weeks, a once bland-tasting vegetable is transformed into a tasty snack. Here is a list of fun pickle facts for everyone who loves these salty snacks. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about pickles!
Everything to Know About Pickles
For curious kids who want to learn a little more about their favorite, salty treat, reading books about pickles is a good way to expand their knowledge. These stories are mostly silly fictional accounts of pickles with big personalities who find themselves in, well, "in a pickle" from time to time. There is really a lot more to learn about the green, crunchy veggie than what you might think. Here are some intriguing pickle facts that will boggle little minds! When pulling together a fun themed gift and fill a card with pickle facts to share about this delicious snack.
Fun Pickle Trivia For Foodies
What seems like a humble cucumber in brine actually brims with fascinating history, diverse cultural significance, and even a dash of quirky science. Peel back the surface, and you'll unearth captivating tales stretching from ancient civilizations and their food preservation secrets to the myriad global culinary traditions that feature this briny treat. It's akin to discovering a hidden history nestled right there in the jar. For many, pickles evoke personal connections – perhaps a cherished childhood snack, a treasured family recipe, or a meaningful cultural food. Unearthing intriguing facts can spark those warm, nostalgic feelings, making the learning experience truly engaging.
(1) Americans eat a lot of pickles.
Apparently people like their pickles more than most would realize. According to the Department of Agriculture, Americans consume just over 8 pounds of pickles per person every single year! Collectively, the US population eats 2.5 billion pounds of pickles annually, which translates into a mind-boggling 20 billion pickles in total.
(2) Dill pickles are the most popular.
Americans have made it clear that they prefer salty over sugary cucumbers. Dill pickles are twice as popular and outsell sweet pickles across the country. The main ingredients in dill pickle recipes include salt, garlic, tumeric, mustard oil, and citric acid. There are some definite health benefits to eating dill pickles, however, moderation is key. Vitamin K, calcium, and potassium collectively help with bone strength, healthy teeth, blood clotting, and nerve function. Remember, however, that the sodium content is high which cancause high blood pressure, leading to a risk of stroke and heart disease.
(3) There is a pickle capital.
There seems to be a capital of everything these days, though even you may be surprised to find out that pickles have one, too! Pickle Packers International dubbed St. Charles, Illinois the pickle capital of the world. In the 1800s, this town was responsible for promoting pickle consumption, however, it wasn't until 1978 that the title was put in writing by the Illinois General Assembly. town owes thanks to William Moore, an advertising professional based on East Main Street, who was the driving force behind putting pickle images on everything. He created a line of pickle-shaped purses, earring, memo pads, and all kinds of other trinkets. Other cities, like Mansfield, Texas, have claimed this title as well, but the overriding claim to this title is St. Charles.
(4) There is a Christmas pickle capital.
Not to be outdone, Berrien Springs, Michigan declared itself the Christmas Pickle Capital. The Grand Dillmeister leads a big parage through town in December. Instead of tossing out candy, marchers in the parade toss fresh pickles to all the locals who have come to watch this pickle-themed celebration. This quirky parade had a successful run from 1992 to 2005, took a sixteen year hiatus, and returned in full force in 2021. Known as a high pickle-producing region, thousand of people embrace their affinity by joining together in 5k runs, pageants, and of course, enjoying a variety of pickle products.
(5) Sailors survived on pickles.
American citizens likely have pickles to thank for the discovery of this beautiful country. Of the many hurdles Christopher Columbus had to overcome, keeping his sailors healthy and free of scurvy was toward the top of this list. His strategy, which was apparently pretty effective, was to feed pickles to his crew. These tasty snacks could survive long journeys without rotting like other food, and provided just enough nourishment to keep the sailors strong enough the endure the trip. He even went so far as to grow cucumbers during a stop in Haiti in order to keep his sailors strong for the rest of the journey.
(6) National Pickle Day is November 14th.
Historians trace the origin of the holiday back to 1949, when the Pickle Packers Association encouraged the observation of pickles on this very date. Declaring the holiday was part of a larger promotion to boost sales and consumption of pickles. While the National Holiday Calendar does not credit this organization with founding the holiday, they undoubtedly played a large role in identifying a date for pickle lovers to celebrate. So what exactly happens on this holiday? Well, some like to make their own pickles, enjoy some pickle beer, and just generally indulge in their favorite, crunchy snack.
(7) According to Connecticut legend, pickles must bounce.
Back in 1949, an infamous pair of pickle producers, Sidney Sparer and Moses Dexler, were charged with selling pickles that were not up to code for human consumption. After reports of people falling ill, the Food and Drug Commissioner declared that the tried and true test for pickle safety is measured by the bounce. Diligent researchers may be disappointed to find no mention of this law in the state library, however, very few dispute this interesting regulation that was once followed by all pickle retailers in the state.
(8) The idiom "in a pickle" has an interesting backstory.
We have all heard the expression "in a pickle" used to describe a person who is in a bit of a bind or, to use another idiom, between a "rock and a hard place". It's a funny way of explaining a lot of precarious situations, like in baseball when runners are caught between bases with opposing players closing in to tag them out. So who exactly coined the phrase? Well, the most common theory is that the one and only William Shakespeare first used this expression in The Tempest. A butler and jester find themselves stranded on an island with a barrel of wine, of which they enjoy in excess. Their bodies, filled with alcohol, are preserved from maggots, much like cucumbers are preserved in a jar. Hence, the term "in a pickle" was born. A conflicting theory, however, is that the term originated from the diary of Samuel Pepys, a member of Parliament and the Royal Navy. He used the phrase to describe being stuck in a difficult situation, just like being trapped in a jar.
(9) Drinking pickle juice has a lot of health benefits.
The thought of chugging a glass of pickle juice may not very appealing. After water, most people prefer a sweet flavored beverage to quench their thirst. But next time you have finished eating all the pickles in a jar, you may want to consider drinking the juice, if not for its taste, but for the plethora of health benefits. First, the juice is packed with sodium and potassium which both help with restoring fluid after exercise, sweat, or illness. Second, pickle juice contains probiotics, a form of live bacteria that support the gut. There is a long list of other potential benefits including curbing hunger, regulating blood sugar, and preventing body cramps.
(10) Astronauts in space love to snack on pickles.
For astronauts facing limited storage and power for refrigeration, the preserved nature and long shelf life of pickles are a significant advantage. Additionally, the altered sense of taste in microgravity, a result of fluid shifts, makes the bold flavor of pickles particularly enjoyable, breaking the monotony of space food. This preference for stronger tastes is common among those living in space.
(11) Pickle vending machines are a thing.
You can find pickle vending machines in various niche locations. Typically, they dispense whole pickles in individual, low-brine pouches. One notable example shared on social media is a hospital vending machine stocking whole dill pickles. Japan, renowned for its abundance of vending machines selling everything imaginable, also includes pickled items in its offerings. The popularity of "tsukemono" (Japanese pickles) as a palate-cleansing staple in Japanese cuisine suggests their availability within the country's more unconventional vending machine selections.
(12) On March 31, 1999, a pickle jar sold on eBay for $44,100.
The antique jar, standing 11 inches tall, was traced back to the 1850s. It was called a cathedral pickle jar with three arch-shaped adorned panels and a fourth that was plain for placement of the label. The rare find, called an Amber Wellington Pickle Jar, was produced by the West Wellington Glassworks in Connecticut. The gothic style jar was produced at some time during the company's years in business from 1814 to 1872.
(13) Michigan is the top producer of cucumbers used for pickling.
Michigan stands out as the top producer of pickling cucumbers in the United States. Unlike slicing varieties, Michigan farmers specialize in growing shorter, blockier cucumbers with thinner skins specifically for pickling. The state consistently dedicates the largest land area to this crop and benefits from a long history in the pickle industry, supported by established processors and ideal growing conditions with well-drained, sandy soils and a temperate climate.
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