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Pickling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฅ’
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pickling

[หˆpษชkษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food preservation

The process of preserving food by anaerobic fermentation in brine or vinegar.

Synonyms

canning, preservation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pickling

Pickling is used when you want to preserve food by soaking it in a solution of water, vinegar, and salt. Often used for vegetables and some fruits.

  • Grandma spent the weekend pickling cucumbers for the winter
  • The recipe for pickling onions is very simple
preservation

Preservation is a general term used for any method that aims to keep food safe and edible for a long time. This can include freezing, drying, pickling, canning, etc.

  • Food preservation practices have evolved significantly over the years
  • The preservation of meat through drying has been practiced for centuries
canning

Canning is used for preserving foods by sealing them in airtight containers. This method is often utilized for fruits, vegetables, soups, and sauces.

  • They spent the whole day canning tomatoes from their garden
  • She loves canning homemade jams and jellies

Examples of usage

  • Pickle made from cucumbers is a popular side dish.
  • Pickling is a common method of preserving vegetables.
Context #2 | Verb

food preparation

The act of preserving food by soaking and storing it in a solution of acid or salt.

Synonyms

marinate, preserve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pickling

Pickling is used when you want to preserve vegetables, fruits, or other foods in a brine or vinegar solution for a long shelf life and a tangy flavor.

  • Cucumbers are often pickling to make delicious pickles.
  • Pickling can extend the life of your fresh vegetables.
preserve

Preserve is a general term used for a variety of methods to prevent food from spoiling, such as canning, freezing, drying, or using sugar and vinegar.

  • She likes to preserve berries by turning them into jam.
  • Farmers often preserve their harvest to last through the winter months.
marinate

Marinate is employed when you want to soak food, usually meat or vegetables, in a flavorful liquid before cooking to add taste and tenderness.

  • Marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before grilling.
  • If you marinate your vegetables overnight, they will absorb all the flavors.

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon pickling beans.
  • To pickle the vegetables, you need vinegar and spices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Pickling is an ancient practice found in cultures around the world, from kimchi in Korea to gherkins in Europe.
  • In some cultures, pickled foods are believed to have health benefits, aiding digestion and providing probiotics.

Science

  • The process of pickling changes the acidity of food, which inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria.
  • Essentially, pickling works by creating an environment where microorganisms canโ€™t thrive, preserving the food.

Culinary Arts

  • Many chefs use pickling as a technique to add unique flavors to their dishes, enhancing taste profiles.
  • Commonly pickled items include cucumbers, onions, and even fruits like strawberries and watermelon rinds.

Historical Usage

  • Sneezing was once considered to be a bad sign in pickling; people avoided eating pickled goods during sneezing fits in the 18th century.
  • Sailors relied on pickled foods as a way to keep their supplies lasting longer during long sea voyages.

Origin of 'pickling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'pickling' comes from the Dutch word 'pekel,' meaning brine, or salty water.
  • In Old English, the process of pickling was called 'pocca,' which also meant to preserve.

The term 'pickling' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'pekel', meaning 'brine'. The practice of pickling food dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using various methods to preserve food. Pickling has remained a common method of food preservation across different cultures and regions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,177, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.