20 Billion Pickles a Year? Why National Pickle Day Is Bigger Than You Think

Did you realize Americans eat over 20 billion pickles yearly? That’s roughly 9 pounds per person! This might sound strange, but it shows the continuous love for pickles in the U.S. November 14 is National Pickle Day, a day where we honor our favorite pickles—from classic dills to original pickle shots and anything in between.

The Start of National Pickle Day

Pickles have been around for numerous years, starting in ancient Mesopotamia. However, National Pickle Day is fairly new. It happens every year on November 14 as a day for celebrating the significance of pickles in various cultures. Pickle lovers and food businesses originally promoted this day for sharing pickle recipes and dishes, but it has gained more attention yearly, with brands, restaurants, and pickle fans nationwide joining in the fun.

Cool Ways to Celebrate National Pickle Day

If you want to have fun on National Pickle Day, here are some cool suggestions:

• Taste a Pickle-Inspired Cocktail: Many bars are enjoying the pickle revolution with drinks like the “pickleback” or inventive ideas like pickle margaritas. Keep an eye out for “The Original Pickle Shot,” a mix of pickles and spirits for a tangy, savory taste.
• Host a Pickle Tasting: Gather friends and have a pickle tasting party with a range of pickles. Test sweet bread-and-butter pickles, spicy habanero pickles, or even pickled vegetables like carrots and radishes.
• Cook Pickle-Themed Food: From fried pickles to pickle-filled sandwiches, the options are limitless. Include pickles in different methods—like pickle pizzas, pickle-flavored popcorn, or even pickle ice cream for the risk-takers.
• Try Making Homemade Pickles: Preparing your own pickles can be fun. You only need cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and some spices. Try adding garlic, dill, mustard seeds, or chili peppers for different tastes.
• Learn about Different Pickles: From kosher dills to bread-and-butter pickles, each kind has its own special taste. Spend this day trying other types and experiencing flavors you might not have tasted before.

The Health Perks of Pickles

Pickles aren’t only tasty, but they also have health perks, particularly when naturally fermented. Here are their benefits:

• Probiotics: Naturally fermented pickles (vinegar-free) are abundant in probiotics, which can enhance gut health.
• Low in Calories: Pickles are a low-calorie snack, great for those wanting to manage their weight.
• Packed with Antioxidants: Pickles made using cucumbers keep many of the antioxidants in fresh cucumbers.
• Electrolyte Replenishment: Pickle juice can quickly help athletes needing to replace electrolytes after hard workouts due to its sodium content.

Advice for Making Pickles at Home

Making pickles at home is simple. Here’s an easy recipe for you to follow:

Quick Dill Pickle Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cucumbers
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Fresh dill twigs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine: In a pot, mix water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Boil until salt and sugar are dissolved.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Cut cucumbers into spears or slices. Put them in a jar with garlic, peppercorns, and fresh dill.
3. Add the Brine: Pour the hot brine onto the cucumbers, covering completely. Close the jar and let it cool before refrigerating.
4. Wait and Enjoy: For maximum flavor, allow the pickles to stay in the fridge for 24 hours. They can stay fresh for about a month.

Cool Pickle Facts You Possibly Didn’t Know

• Pickles Are Old: Pickling is one of the oldest ways of preserving food, starting in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Cleopatra’s Beauty Secret: It is believed that Cleopatra credited her good looks to eating pickles often.
• Worldwide Favorite: Pickles are loved worldwide, in many forms like Korean kimchi to Indian achar.
• Pickle Juice as a Hangover Remedy: Some people believe in pickle juice for relieving hangover symptoms, due to its electrolyte content.

Wrap-Up: Pickling-Up the Excitement

National Pickle Day isn’t just a silly celebration; it’s an opportunity to cherish pickles’ versatility, health perks, and cultural importance. Whether you’re sipping a pickle cocktail, trying out homemade pickles, or simply delighting in your favorite kind, there’s no lack of methods to enjoy this fun day.

How will you celebrate National Pickle Day? Comment below, share your favorite pickle recipes, and let’s raise our glasses to the tangy, crunchy snack everybody loves!

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