Pickles have been around for thousands of years, dating as far back as
2030 BC when cucumbers from their native India were pickled in the Tigris
Valley. The word pickle comes from the Dutch
pekel or northern German pókel, meaning salt or brine, two very important
components in the pickling process. Throughout history pickling was a
necessity, as it was the best way to preserve food for a long period of
time. As one of the earliest mobile foods, pickles filled the stomachs of
hungry sailors and travelers, while also providing families with a source
of food during the cold winter months.
The brine, known as, pickle juice, is sometimes
used by athletes to treat dehydration, though it has yet to be proven as a
true remedy.
