by April Knight

Created on: February 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2009

What do you know about pickles?

If you are not familiar with pickles; you will be after reading an overview on the various types of pickles. You are going to find out a fascinating fact about pickles, the definition of "pickle", learn about different pickled vegetables, and how they compliment a variety of cuisines.

Pickles were found to have played an important role in Columbus's discovery of America in 1492. Many voyage crews suffered from scurvy, which is a disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency. A man named Amerigo Vespucci, stored plenty of vitamin C pickles to avoid other voyage crews from contracting scurvy.

America's name is originated from the gentleman who stocked pickles in hopes of preventing scurvy. Vespucci, who became an explorer.

Have you ever wondered which pickle accentuates the flavor of a cuisine, salad, or sandwich?

When people hear the word "pickle" one most likely will visualize a green sweet or dill pickled cucumber. What is your definition of a pickle? Technically speaking, the term pickle are vegetables preserved in brine or vinegar. The type of pickle that we are familiar with is a small cucumber that is sent through a pickling process.

Pickled vegetables came about when people discovered that the flavor of the vegetables were enhanced when they preserved the vegetables with vinegar, salt, or brine. The people were not only impressed with the flavor, they were pleased to find out that pickles contain probiotic benefits.

Here is an overview of the various types of vegetables that are sent through the pickling process; as well as a variety of pickled vegetables that go well with a main dish.

Different types of pickled vegetables:

banana peppers - banana peppers are generally sweet, and they are shaped like a banana; this is why they are named "banana peppers." When banana peppers are immersed in brine or vinegar; they become pickled banana peppers. Banana peppers are best served with a hamburger or a fresh garden salad.

Gherkin - A gherkin is a small cucumber. Some gherkins are from the west Indian Cucumber, but most are made from the garden cucumber. Gherkins can be dill or sweet. Gherkins can be eaten with a sandwich, popcorn, or sausages. Sweet gherkins can be chopped in egg salad, potato salad, or tuna salad.

Tsukemono- The Japanese culture use soy brine to pickle an assortment of salty vegetables. The vegetables include cabbage, carrots, plums, and turnips. Are you a fan of sushi? If you are then ask your waiter to add tsukemono along with your california roll.

Miscellaneious pickled vegetables - asparagus, beets, carrots, cauliflower, and okra.

Spicy pickled asparagus is a great compliment to gourmet cajun cuisines.

Pickled beets compliment turkey during Thanksgiving or Christmas time.

Spicy pickled carrots add spice to Mexican main dishes. The Mexican dish could include tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

Pickled cauliflower can be combined with Wasabi. Wasabi is a Japanese horseradish that compliments meat. Wasabi-pickled cauliflower enhances the flavor of beef, lamb, pork, or duck.

Pickled okra compliments butter beans, red beans, and a homemade fresh garden salad.

By becoming more educated about pickles; you may have picked up a new hobby. All you need to have on hand are vegetables, vinegar, or brine to have your very own pickle tasteing!

Sources:

http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/pickles/history .html

http://mexicanfood.about.com/b/2006/02/08/spicy-pick led-carrots.htm

http://www.thenibble.com/REVIEWS/MAIN/condiments/pic kles/pickle-glossary.asp

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