National Pickle Day: 

Celebrated on 14th November, the National Pickle day honors the ubiquitous pickles that can pep up any meal or sandwich. It is an unofficial holiday that recognizes the all-time trending side dish.

Twitter Hashtags:

#NationalPickleDay

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Related: Other National Days Celebrated on November 14th:

National Spicy Guacamole Day

Why National Pickle day? 

Almost anything can be pickled from fruits, vegetables, meat, and yourself. Pickles are produced through the process of pickling, in simple terms dunking food in brine or vinegar. The term pickle originates from the Dutch root word ‘pekel’ which means brine. Brine is just highly concentrated saltwater that can be used to produce fermented pickles. Pickles can be sweet, tart, or sour depending on the preparation.

Pickling can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in India in 2400BCE. The New York Food Museum identifies archaeological evidence that is indicative of native Indian cucumber export to Iraq in 2030 BCE. Pickling was not just a process to alter the taste and texture of food items but rather a technique to preserve the perishables post the harvesting season or for long journeys.

Pickles were consumed in ancient Egypt to enhance the beauty and for its nutritional value. Cleopatra ascribed her beauty to her pickle regime. Napoleon also believed that pickles provide good nutrition for his armies and declared a cash prize to preserve it.

In the 17th and 18th century the farmers in the US used to pickle their produce. The process was tedious and time-consuming. The mid-18th-century inventions such as paraffin wax by James Young and mason jar by John Mason was a game-changer for the toiling farmers. Paraffin wax was used to create a seal for the pickled jars and the mason jar was composed of heavy glass and could withstand high temperatures.

In Africa and in the South Pacific islands an ancient pickling method is practiced. After digging deep pits in the ground and lining them with banana leaves, fresh food is preserved in these holes.

The nutritional value of pickles is not just a general notion but a fact. Vitamins like K and A are produced in the pickle, and the probiotics produced in the non-brine pickle are also beneficial for health. Even though food preservation was the primary goal of pickling, pickles became popular by virtue of its taste that appeals to all of mankind. 

How Can We observe National Pickle Day: 

• Dunk in Pickle!

Try out different varieties of pickles from dill to egg. You can be primitive and dunk your bare hands into the pickle jar and enjoy it, old style. Make sure you are alone while you perform this stunt. 

• Be The Pickle Champion!

If you have a voracious appetite for pickles, here is your chance to gain name and fame by breaking the record of gulping five and a half pounds of pickle in six minutes.

• Pickle Your Imagination.

As almost anything can be pickled, try out eccentric varieties and be a part of the pickle history!

• Let The World Know!

Use #NationalPickleDay to share photos and videos of your National Pickle Day celebration.

Interesting Facts On National Pickle Day:

Here are some interesting facts surrounding pickles and Pickle Day!

• The first National Pickle Day celebration took place in New York in 2001.
• In the US 40% of the pickles are produced by the government, as pickles are rationed for the armed forces
• American homes purchase pickles every 53 days and more than 67% of homes consume pickles.
• Pickle Polka is the theme song for Pickle Packers International
• Red pickles are made by soaking them in strawberry or cherry Kool-Aid. These pickles have a sweet-sour flavor and taste completely different from a traditional pickle. They can also be made by adding chilli powder as in Indian culinary style.
• Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer was known as the ‘pickle-dealer’ as he used to trade preserved meats and vegetables for sailors and merchants.
• Roman emperors like Julius Caesar and their troupes consumed crispy preserves as it was thought to provide strength.
• In The Tempest, Shakespeare coined the term “in a pickle” which means to find oneself in a difficult position.
• Mass-produced pickles are fermented in gigantic outdoor pots in salt brine.
• Drinking pickle juice is said to relieve a cramp 37% faster in a BYU study.

History Of National Pickle Day: 

The National Pickle Day was first celebrated in 1949, initiated and supported by the Pickle Packers Association. Though it has been celebrated for over 70 years, the original holiday was observed on various days. The founder of the day remains unknown.