Pickled: meaning, definitions and examples

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pickled

 

[ˈpɪkəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food preservation

Pickled refers to food that has been preserved in a solution of vinegar, brine, or sugar. This method not only extends the shelf life of food but also enhances its flavor. Common examples include pickled cucumbers, carrots, and onions.

Synonyms

fermented, preserved.

Examples of usage

  • I love adding pickled jalapeños to my tacos.
  • She prepared a jar of pickled vegetables for the winter.
  • The recipe calls for pickled red onions as a topping.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking process

To pickle means to preserve food by immersing it in vinegar or brine. This process often involves adding spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the pickled items. Pickling can be applied to a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and even meats.

Synonyms

marinate, preserve.

Examples of usage

  • They will pickle the cabbage to make kimchi.
  • I plan to pickle some cucumbers this weekend.
  • He pickled his own eggs as a unique snack.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • Pickling is a method that has been used for thousands of years to preserve food, especially before refrigerators existed.
  • Different countries have their styles; for example, kimchi in Korea is made by pickling vegetables with spices, while sauerkraut in Germany is fermented, mainly with cabbage.

Science of Fermentation

  • When food is pickled, it undergoes fermentation, a process where bacteria break down sugars, creating tangy flavors.
  • The sour taste comes from the production of lactic acid, which not only gives food its distinctive flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, pickled foods are served as a side dish and play an important role in festivals and celebrations.
  • In Russia, pickled vegetables like cucumbers are often used in soups and salads, showcasing their culinary importance.

Health Benefits

  • Pickled foods can have probiotic benefits if they are fermented, supporting a healthy gut.
  • While pickled items can be high in sodium, they can also help in digestion when consumed in moderation.

History

  • Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians, were pickling vegetables as early as 2400 B.C.
  • The method was popular among sailors in the 16th century, as pickled foods could survive long voyages and provided essential nutrients.

Translations

Translations of the word "pickled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em conserva

🇮🇳 अचार

🇩🇪 eingelegt

🇮🇩 acar

🇺🇦 маринований

🇵🇱 marynowany

🇯🇵 漬物 (つけもの)

🇫🇷 mariné

🇪🇸 encurtido

🇹🇷 turşu

🇰🇷 절임 (jeorim)

🇸🇦 مخلل (makhallal)

🇨🇿 nakládaný

🇸🇰 nakladaný

🇨🇳 腌制的 (yānzhì de)

🇸🇮 mariniran

🇮🇸 sýrt

🇰🇿 маринадталған

🇬🇪 მარინადირებული (marinadirebuli)

🇦🇿 marinadlanmış

🇲🇽 encurtido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,045, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.