Food preferences are always in flux, whether in India or beyond. We have dedicatedly adopted Chinese, Italian and other cuisines as our own and the same trend is seen elsewhere. Pickles originate from India and are the most common accompaniment in Indian meals. A fruit or vegetable that is fermented at a high concentration of acidity involving oil, lemon, vinegar, or brine, forms a number of delicious side dishes. Even a little sourness of pickled foods can change a meal beyond description. While we can never get enough of our desi aam ka achaar or nimbu ka achaar, everyone enjoys the same salty, sour, sweet and bitter flavors in olives, jalapenos and capers. In fact, pickle flavored foods are the latest craze in America and people are looking for anything with this flavor.
It sounds strange, but Americans are enjoying everything pickled – from pickle burgers, pizza and falafel to salted beer and even fries, dips and juices. The umami flavor that adds complexity and warmth to the dish is something we’ve long welcomed and it’s now recognized around the world. What started as the ancient practice of food preservation has now become a culinary art.
(Read more: 11 best pickle recipes | Easy pickle recipes)
Verdict: so good! #picklepizzapic.twitter.com/eQceYztGWq– Kelly O’Connell (@kellymoconnell) August 25, 2022
The reason behind the growing popularity of pickled foods
For starters, the pickling process will increase the shelf life of the food. This is why this practice was born in the first place. In addition, pickling also improves the taste of food, bringing a special sour and sour taste. But these are not the only benefits we get from pickled foods. A research article published in the ‘Journal of Functional Foods’ shows how pickles also offer many health benefits.
Health benefits of pickles:
- Microorganisms (mainly lactic acid bacteria along with Micrococcaceae, Bacilli, yeasts and filamentous fungi) play an important role in the pickling process. LAB microorganisms enhance the properties of probiotics in the feed which ultimately improves gut health.
- Pickled foods also restore the natural bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruits and vegetables, helping to strengthen the immune system.
- Pickles are said to be high in protein, vitamins, and fiber.
- Pickles are prepared using colored fruits and vegetables that contain pigments such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and carotenoids that are effective in fighting free radicals in the body.
- Improved digestion and reduced serum cholesterol levels have also been attributed to pickle consumption.
- Eating a significant amount of pickles can reduce exercise-related muscle cramps.
Considering all of the above advantages of pickles, it’s no surprise that pickle mania is on the rise.
About Neha GroverHer love for reading sparked her writing instinct. Neha is guilty of having a deep fixation on anything that contains caffeine. When she’s not venting her thoughts on the screen, you can see her reading a book while sipping coffee.
