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An Epic Pickle Platter: The Best Pickles You’ve Ever Tasted
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If you’re a fan of bold flavors and satisfying crunch, you’re in for a treat. Creating an epic pickle platter is a fantastic way to showcase a variety of pickled fruits and vegetables, all sourced from the bountiful fields of California. Let’s explore the art of making pickles, the types of produce you can pickle, and how to assemble a pickle platter that will wow your guests.
Quick Pickles vs. Traditional Pickling Methods
When it comes to pickling, there are two main methods to consider: quick pickling and traditional pickling. Each method has its own unique advantages and flavor profiles, making it essential to understand the differences to choose the best technique for your needs.
Quick Pickles: Quick pickling, also known as refrigerator pickling, is a fast and convenient method that requires minimal time and effort. In this process, fruits and vegetables are submerged in a brine made of vinegar, water, salt, and often sugar, along with various spices for added flavor. The pickles are then stored in the refrigerator and are typically ready to enjoy within a few hours to a few days. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy pickles without waiting for weeks. Quick pickles retain their crunch and vibrant color, making them a fresh and crisp addition to any pickle platter.
Traditional Pickling: Traditional pickling involves a longer process that can take several weeks to months. This method typically includes fermenting the produce in a saltwater brine, allowing natural bacteria to produce lactic acid, which preserves the food and creates the distinctive tangy flavor. Fermented pickles develop a deeper, more complex taste and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods once sealed. This method often involves canning, which requires precise techniques to ensure food safety. Traditional pickling is ideal for those who want to preserve large batches of seasonal produce and enjoy the rich, layered flavors that develop over time.
What Types of Fruit and Vegetables Can Be Pickled?
Pickling is an ancient preservation method that adds a tangy twist to a wide range of produce. Here are some popular fruits and vegetables perfect for pickling:
Fruits:
- Yes, you can pickle fruits! Apples, pears, and even strawberries can be transformed through pickling. For a unique and tasty treat, try our recipe below for Quick Pickled Grapes, which blends sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
Carrots:
- Sweet and crunchy, pickled carrots are a delightful addition to salads and snacks.
Beets:
- Their vibrant color and earthy flavor make pickled beets a standout on any platter.
Onions:
- Pickled onions, especially red onions, add a zesty kick to tacos, burgers, and salads.
Peppers:
- From mild bell peppers to fiery chiles, pickled peppers add a burst of heat.
Radishes:
- Pickling mellows their peppery bite, making them a great addition to a variety of dishes.
What is a Pickle Platter?
A pickle platter is an artful arrangement of various pickled fruits and vegetables, perfect for an appetizer or side dish. It’s a great way to showcase different flavors and textures, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, from cheeses and charcuterie to grilled meats and sandwiches.
Here are a few must-have items on our pickle platter!
Creating the Perfect Pickle Platter: An Easy DIY for Entertaining
Choose Your Pickles:
- Variety is key! Include a mix of pickled cucumbers, carrots, beets, cauliflower, onions, green beans, peppers, or radishes. Don’t forget to add a sweet element with pickled fruits like our Quick Pickled Grapes.
Add Complementary Items:
- Complement your pickles with your favorite California cheeses, cured meats, nuts, olives, and fresh fruits. Think about flavors and textures that will balance the tanginess of the pickles.
Arrange Beautifully:
- Presentation matters. Use a large platter or wooden board and arrange your pickles in groups. Add small bowls of dips or spreads like hummus or mustard, and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Serve with Style:
- Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy picking, and include some crackers or breadsticks for added crunch.
Enjoy:
- A pickle platter is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a unique appetizer for a dinner gathering. It’s an excellent conversation starter and a delicious way to explore different pickled flavors.
The Best Recipes for Pickles on the Internet!
It’s a bold claim, we know! However, between our CA GROWN team and our California Grown Creators we have tried and tested every single one of the recipes below to ensure they are the best of the best.
Sparkling Rosé-Pickled Cantaloupe
Pickling isn’t just for cucumbers anymore! Let’s dive into the delicious world of pickling with our Sparkling Rosé -Pickled Cantaloupe. Perfect for summer, this easy DIY project will add a burst of flavor to your dishes and showcase the beauty and versatility of CA GROWN cantaloupes.
Click here to make cantaloupe pickles!
Campari Pickled Strawberries
Imagine this: the sweet, juicy goodness of strawberries combined with a tangy vinegar kick and a splash of Campari! This Mess is Ours has pickled one of our favorite berries with a splash of this vibrant Italian aperitif that adds a sophisticated flair and a pop of color to the pickling brine, taking these strawberries to a whole new level.
Click here to pickle strawberries!
Quick Pickled Beets
Beets, those vibrant and earthy gems cultivated in the golden fields of California, are not just a feast for the eyes; they offer a treasure trove of health benefits. Whether you are roasting beets as a side dish or giving our flavorful Quick Pickled Beets recipe a go, you’ll love incorporating beets into your mealtime routine.
Click here to make pickled beets!
Marinated Onions
These onions from No Crumbs Left have gone viral, and for good reason! They are delicious on absolutely anything, and the oil is perfect for making dressings, mayos, or for cooking!
Click here to make marinated onions!
Korean Pickled Radish
This Korean Pickled Radish from The Delicious is so easy to make, it’s going to become a go-to recipe because it only requires 4 ingredients and is endlessly forgiving and flexible. It goes without saying that these radishes are crisp, refreshing, and totally delicious.
Click here to make pickled radish.
Cucumber Refrigerator Pickles
These quick pickles from This Mess is Ours are super easy to make. You won’t need to use fancy canning equipment or spend hours sweating in the kitchen. Plus, these pickled cucumbers are made with garlic, coriander, peppercorns, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes, which create a fantastic flavor in every bite.
Click here to make quick pickles.
The Best Jalapeno Pickle Recipe
Pickling, a culinary tradition with roots deep in our global food culture, is a delightful way to savor the freshness of fruits and vegetables (like jalapenos) throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a novice preserver, the key to a successful pickle is the pickling liquid. Our Jalapeno Pickle recipe has a brine that is seasoned with herbs like bay leaf, thyme, garlic, coriander, peppercorns, and lavender for a truly unique take on pickled peppers.
Click here to make jalapeno pickles.
Vietnamese Pickled Mustard Greens
These pickled mustard greens from Beyond Sweet & Savory have a distinctive tanginess and crunch texture from lacto-fermentation which serves as a great side dish for many braised dishes.
Click here to make pickled mustard greens.
Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish
Tart, tangy, and just barely sweet pickles are an absolute must for a well-stocked fridge. This super-easy recipe for Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish from The Delicious has only a few ingredients. The universal, all-purpose vinegar brine can be customized if you want it sweeter, sourer, or even spicier!
Click here to make pickled vegetables!
Pickled Crudités
Looking for a quick and easy method of pickling winter vegetables that will add some real flavor to your winter crudités platter? We’ve got ya covered! Taking vegetables like carrots and radishes from freshly prepped to pickled happens in as little as two hours with minimal hands-on time.
Click here to make pickled crudités.
Pickled Red Onions
Looking to add a bright zing to just about anything? These Pickled Red Onions or Cebollas Curtidas from Hola Jalapeno add phenomenal color and crunch, not to mention a sweet vinegary bite to tacos, sandwiches, tostadas and more!
Click here to make pickled red onions.
Quick & Easy Pickled Apples
According to This Mess is Ours; apples aren’t just for pies and crisps; they can be pickled to mouthwatering perfection for sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
Click here to make pickled apples.
Creating an epic pickle platter is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a variety of pickled fruits and vegetables. By choosing CA GROWN, you’re supporting farmers and farming families while ensuring you get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite vegetables, a pickle platter is sure to impress.
Let’s get pickled! Check out this California Grown Spotify playlist:
BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR PICKLE PLATTERS WITH US BY SNAPPING A PIC AND TAGGING US ON SOCIAL USING #CAGROWN. Craving more CA GROWN goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!
Quick Pickled Grapes
Ingredients
- 1 pound red and/or green California table grapes
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ vanilla bean
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
- ⅛ teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
Instructions
- Wash the grapes and remove the stems. Slice the grapes in half and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and sugar. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until sugar dissolves.
- Place spices into the bottom of a quart jar.
- Place the trimmed grapes into the jar on top of the spices.
- Pour hot vinegar into the jar over the grapes.
- Let grapes sit until cool. Place the lid on the jar and place in the refrigerator.
- Let the pickled grapes rest in the fridge for at least 3 hours and up to overnight before serving.
Nutrition
Recipes Inspired By All Things Pickles!
Jalapeno Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Salad
Are you intrigued by the latest culinary trends? Have you heard whispers of something tangy and spicy making waves in the food world? The secret’s out: pickle brine is a hot trend. This flavorful brine is becoming a secret ingredient in kitchens worldwide. And that raises the question: pickle juice is good for what, exactly? Stick with us as we explore how this tangy delight is making its mark.
Click here to see our favorite way to use leftover pickle juice.
Beautiful Pickled Beet & Avocado Deviled Eggs
California knows a thing or two about stunning produce, and our vibrant, homegrown beets are no exception. But did you know you can use these beauties to create a stunning appetizer that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching? Enter our Pickled Beet & Avocado Deviled Egg – a California twist on a classic party favorite.
Click here to make our deviled eggs!
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
With crunchy dill pickles as “croutons”—yes pickles as croutons!—crisp greens, and creamy dressing that has no actual dairy, this Dill Pickle Chopped Salad from The Delicious is sure to be your new favorite salad of the season!