S4 Ep 16: The History Of Pickles With Guest Emily Lubin
In this episode, we're excited to explore the history of pickles: a favorite snack turned captivating conversation. Our guest, podcast host Emily Lubin, shares her enthusiastic passion for pickles, proclaiming a lifelong love affair with these briny delights. From childhood experiences of eating half a jar of pickles before her family had even unpacked the groceries, to recalling ordering them as a must-have side at her favorite local restaurant, Emily is a true pickle connoisseur.
A Cult Following and Pickle Pairing Adventures
Emily explains her theory that pickles attract a cult following: people often either love them or hate them. A self-professed childhood pickle fanatic, she delves into some unexpected, yet intriguing combinations, such as peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. The tangy zing of the vinegar complements the richness of peanut butter, creating an unexpectedly delightful pairing.
Pickle Preferences and Local Endorsements
When it comes to choosing the right pickles, Emily doesn’t shy away from stating her preferences. She avoids certain mass-produced brands in favor of traditional choices like Claussen or Trader Joe's Kosher Dill Pickles. Yet, nothing tops a classic pickle from a Jewish deli with its full sour profile.
Journey Through History: Pickles' Long Legacy
The journey of pickles is intertwined with human civilization. Dating back over 4,000 years, the preservation of cucumbers began in ancient Mesopotamia as a solution to food spoilage under the scorching sun. This method of preservation spread through empires and through time, impacting cultures far and wide, from Romans entrenching them in their lavish feasts to Cleopatra claiming pickles as beauty enhancers.
As history unfolded, pickles secured a spot on long ocean voyages to prevent sailors from succumbing to scurvy. Even figures like Napoleon Bonaparte incentivized advancements in food preservation, leading to the development of modern canning techniques thanks to innovative minds like French chef Nicolas Appert and John Mason.
Pickling's American Dream: From Pushcarts to Supermarket Bottles
By the turn of the 20th century, the kosher pickling tradition of Eastern European Jewish immigrants had taken root in America. New York City thrived as the pickle capital, with pushcarts lining its streets to offer these tangy treats to anyone seeking a taste of nostalgia.
Innovations continued as pickles found their way into pop culture and our everyday lives. From the idiom "in a pickle" to Snooki's Jersey Shore antics, these crunchy delights earned fame beyond the streets of New York. The pickle industry has exploded, offering flavors and fusions catered to any taste bud imaginable, effectively weaving itself into the fabric of American culinary culture.
A Pickle Enthusiast's Dream
Our enlightening discussion with Emily Lubin sparked ideas for a "Pickle Girl Summer," a nod to newfound business ventures involving pickle carts and playful merchandise. Whether it’s a homemade batch given as a heartfelt gift or an outing with fellow pickle lovers on Brooklyn’s bustling streets, pickles have, and continue to build, a vibrant community around them.
With November 14th marking National Pickle Day, there's no better time to appreciate these bites of history, taste, and cultural significance. Pickel lovers, old and new, can look forward to their vibrant, crunchy future.
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