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ThuNov 14

National Pickle Day – November 14, 2024

National Pickle Day is on November 14 and it was created to celebrate the pickle as one of the worlds favorite fermented foods. Pickles prove to be preposterously popular with people across the country; the number of pickle-eaters is projected to proliferate to more than 250 million by 2023. That gives plenty of pretext to position November 14th as prime pickle time!

History of National Pickle Day

The practice of pickling has existed for thousands of years. The process ensured a degree of preservation otherwise impossible in pre-modern conditions and was essential in providing a mobile supply of provisions for travelers as well as a dependable source of nutrition for those living through barren winters. While a diverse set of foods can be pickled, the cucumber emerges as the dominant food that most associate with the idea of both pickling and the word “pickle” itself. Archaeologists believe that the first evidence of pickled cucumbers originates from Tigris river valley civilizations, and the nutritional benefits of the food would go on to be lauded by such historical figures as Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. 

With all their popularity in the Old World, pickles would not make their appearance in North America until 1492. As you may have guessed by the year, the one responsible for their introduction was none other than Christopher Columbus. Pickles were included in sailors’ rations on his expeditions as a means by which to prevent the onset of scurvy. By the mid-17th century, cucumbers bought from Dutch settlers farming in the New York area were pickled and distributed throughout the region. This would lay the foundations for the territory to be the perfect site for the introduction of the kosher dill pickle. 

In the period of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, a large number of Eastern European Jews immigrated to the United States and settled in the New York City area. They brought with them the unique methods that produce kosher dill pickles, and these early iterations of pickles would develop into the now-famous and ever-familiar food available in grocery stores throughout the United States.

National Pickle Day timeline

2030 B.C.
A Pickle Provenance

Mesopotamians pickle cucumbers native to India and give birth to one of the great staples of food condiments.

10th Century
A Pickle Pairing

Dill, a central ingredient in many brine mixtures used to culture cucumbers, arrives in Western Europe from Sumatra.

1940’s
A Pickle Portion

The United States government produces 40% of U.S. pickle output as they include pickles in rations for the armed forces.

2001
A Pickle Party

The first annual National Pickle Day celebrations take place in New York City.

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Stir Things Up with These Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs

Looking for a tangy twist to a creamy favorite? Why not add dill pickles to your deviled eggs? In fact, here’s a recipe to show you how!

14 Dill-cious Pickle Things You Can Buy Right Now for National Pickle Day

Craving some slightly strange, but probably delicious, pickle themed snacks? Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for.

Since When is Matthew McConaughey a ‘Pickle Expert’

Apparently Matthew McConaughey is a pickle expert. Or at least, that’s how he describes himself on his new social media page. 

Fun Stats About Pickles

A pickle in every home

More than 67% of all households eat pickles. American households in particular purchase pickles every 53 days!

America’s pickled angel

Americans consume more than 9 pounds of pickles per person annually. To give context, the average cucumber weighs about 0.8 pounds. 

A whole lotta acres

100,000 to 125,000 American acres are specifically devoted to growing pickling cucumbers and they’re grown in more than 30 states.

National Pickle Day FAQs

Is there a national pickle shortage?

Without raising too much alarm, there is a strain of mildew that has been particularly harmful to cucumber crops in the United States. However, researchers are working to develop a variety of mildew-resistant cucumbers, which would secure the future of the pre-pickle plant. 

What is the pickle capital of the world?

It’s up for debate! St. Charles, Illinois, the original home of the pickle-centric marketing company Pickle Packers International, held the title for more than four decades. However, the organization has since relocated to Washington, D.C., leaving this particular question open. 

What state makes the most pickles?

Michigan grows the most pickles.

National Pickle Day Activities

  1. Break a Record

    Got an appetite for pickles? Test your limits and see if you can break the world record for pickle consumption. The current holder of the throne gobbled up more than five-and-a-half pounds of pickles ... in six minutes. Good luck!

  2. Envision Your Own Variety

    Just because the technique has been around for thousands of years doesn’t mean that it’s been perfected… right? There are limitless possibilities as to how you can go about making pickles. Maybe it’s time for you to concoct your own formula and show the world what you (and your pickles) are made of!

  3. Try 'Em All!

    If you don’t want to stuff yourself silly with a peck of pickles, and you’re not inclined to brine your own cucumbers, consider sampling different kinds of pickles to discover which style is your favorite - from bread and butter, to sweet, to classic kosher dill, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this salty snack!

Why We Love National Pickle Day

  1. Pickles Are Versatile

    Although many choose to eat them on their own, pickles can be enjoyed fried, in a sandwich, in a dip, in a salad, among other ways.

  2. Pickles Aid Athletes

    Some may pucker at the idea of it, but drinking pickle juice can help athletes reduce the likelihood of experiencing cramps after intense exercise.

  3. Pickles Have Probiotics

    Pickles fermented in non-vinegar brine solutions carry with them probiotic microorganisms that provide a whole host of health benefits.

National Pickle Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 14Thursday
2025November 14Friday
2026November 14Saturday
2027November 14Sunday
2028November 14Tuesday

Related News

CSP Daily News – Here’s How 7-Eleven Is Celebrating National Pickle Day

7/11 celebrates National Pickle Day with a nod to Pickle Rick from popular adult show, Rick and Morty.
 
 
South Philadelphia’s Devil’s Den is celebrating National Pickle Day with some…interesting…menu specials. 
 
 
New York is celebrating its 20th annual Pickle Day festival on the Lower East Side!
 

#nationalpickleday #pickles #cucumber

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