Virtually every culture in recorded history has developed some type of pickling recipe, from sour to sweet to spicy pickles. As a result, pickles have had a long, interesting journey since their initial origins, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. If you’re curious about how pickling came to be, consider the historical guide below on the beginnings and current uses of this culinary practice.

Pickling Was Vital for Travelers

While pickling these days is mostly for pleasing the taste buds, in the past, it was a necessity. Families would be left without nutritious sustenance during the cold weather months, which left them in a bind. By pickling vegetables, they could be eaten in the dead of winter until the spring harvest rolled around.

Pickled vegetables were also incredibly popular with sailors, who would often be at sea for months at a time. These snacks ensured sailors had the nutrition they needed to make it through long, arduous journeys. 

In fact, pickled vegetables were included on Christopher Columbus’s voyage to what he believed was America. Shipmate Amerigo Vespucci, from whom this country gets its name, was in charge of stocking Columbus’s ship with food. He chose pickled vegetables and fruits to help ward off scurvy, which was a threat to seafaring people at the time. 

How Pickling Differs Around the World

In America, cucumbers are the go-to vegetable when it comes to pickling. However, there is a diverse assortment of goodies that can be pickled. Meals in the Middle East are rarely served without a refreshing plate of pickled peppers or olives. If you love sweet pickles, it’s worth noting that old British sailors arrived to the New World stocked up with vinegar, spices, and sugar to pickle their cucumbers.

If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you probably know about kimchi. This cabbage dish is dressed with a fermented chili paste known as gochujang, which is made from a pepper native to Korea. There’s also sauerkraut from Eastern Europe, giardiniera from Italy, and pickled plums from Japan.  

If you’re in the mood for pickles, you’re in luck. Pops' Pepper Patch, Inc. in Louisville, KY, offers a wide assortment of small-batch condiments, including their famous Habagardil pickles. Choose from an assortment of mild to spicy pickles to please your palate. Learn more about this beloved company and what they offer by visiting their website or call (502) 523-6154 to place an order for spicy pickles today.