A burger without the famous American pickles? For many burger lovers, that's unthinkable. The crispy, sour slices of cucumber have become an indispensable ingredient in many top-notch burgers, and for good reason. But why are pickles so important in a burger? Here are some compelling reasons why a good burger simply needs pickles:
- Flavorful balance: A burger is a combination of diverse flavors and textures—juicy meat, crispy vegetables, creamy sauces, and soft buns. The acidic notes of the pickles cut through the rich and savory flavors of the burger, creating a balanced burst of flavor that makes every bite a delight.
- Texture and crunch: Pickles not only add flavor to the burger, but also a unique texture and a pleasant crunch. The crispy sensation when biting into the pickle slices adds an extra dimension to the burger and provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Freshness and balance: Amidst all the rich ingredients of a burger—from the juicy meat to the creamy sauce—pickles serve as a refreshing counterpoint. Their crunchy, acidic profile adds a refreshing touch to the burger, ensuring it doesn't feel too heavy or overpowering.
- Versatility: Pickles are extremely versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences and tastes. From classic sour pickles to sweet bread-and-butter pickles or spicy jalapeño slices, pickles offer a wide range of possibilities to customize the burger exactly to your liking.
In which regions of America are cucumbers particularly popular?
Pickles are popular in various regions across the United States, but they have a particularly strong presence in some areas and are an integral part of the local food culture. Here are some regions where pickles are particularly popular:
- New York: Pickles are an essential part of New York City's deli culture. Pickled cucumbers, also known as "New York-style pickles" or simply "sour pickles," are particularly popular there. Particularly in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, which were dominated by Jewish immigrants, they are among the classic delicacies offered in Jewish delicatessens, also known as "delis." New York-style pickles are characterized by their characteristic sour taste and crunchy texture. They are often pickled in a spicy brine, which gives them their unique flavor. This authentic taste has helped make pickles a symbol of New York City food culture. They are a popular accompaniment to sandwiches, bagels with lox, hot dogs, and hamburgers, and are also eaten as a snack on their own or served alongside other delicacies such as pastrami and corned beef. There are a variety of shops in New York that specialize in pickles, including famous delicatessens such as Katz's Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters.
- Southern USA: In the southern states of the USA, pickles are a popular accompaniment to many traditional dishes. They are often served with dishes such as grilled meats, sandwiches, fish, and roasted chicken, and are a staple at events such as barbecues and picnics.
- Midwest: Pickles are also popular in the Midwest. They are often served as a side dish with regional specialties such as hot dogs, bratwurst, and sandwiches, and are also popular at barbecues and outdoor events.
- New England: The New England region is also known for its love of pickles. They are often served with seafood dishes such as lobster rolls and fish sandwiches and are a popular accompaniment to seafood dishes and sandwiches in the region.
- West Coast: Although pickles may not be as integral to local cuisine in the western US as in other regions, they are still popular and readily available in supermarkets and delis. They are often served as a side dish with sandwiches and burgers.
What types of pickled cucumbers are there?
All of the above-mentioned types of pickles are available in the United States, and many are widely available and popular. Here's an overview of the different types of pickles commonly available in the United States:
- Dill pickles: Dill pickles are widely available in the United States and come in a variety of flavors, from classic to spicy. They are a popular accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs, and are also often eaten on their own as a snack.
- Bread and butter pickles: These sweet pickled cucumbers are also popular in the US and are often served as a side dish to sandwiches and burgers. They are especially popular in southern states and are also often used in homemade relishes and chutneys.
- Half-Sour Pickles: While they may not be as widely available as sour pickles, half-sour pickles are still available in many delis and supermarkets across the U.S. They're a popular choice for those who prefer a crunchy bite and a milder flavor.
- Pickles: Pickles are also popular in the US and are often flavored with additional spices such as chili, paprika, or jalapeños. They're a popular choice for those who like a little extra spice in their pickles.
- Mustard pickles: Mustard pickles are also available in the US and are often served as a side dish with sandwiches and hot dogs. They have a spicy-sweet flavor and are a popular choice for those looking for a change from classic pickles.
- Cornichons: These small pickled cucumbers are also available in the US and are often served as a side dish to cheese platters and charcuterie boards. They are especially popular in fine restaurants and gourmet shops.
What are American Heritage's favorite pickles in Augsburg?
In recent years, we've offered several cucumbers from various American suppliers in our American Heritage range. Generally, all of the cucumbers we tested were good, but as an importer, we're subject to certain purchasing conditions, and therefore couldn't keep them all in our range. For example, if a supplier expects high minimum purchase orders from us, we can purchase a few cucumbers during the off-season.
We love SuckerPunch pickles because they taste great and are also extremely convenient. SuckerPunch, based in Illinois, offers single-serve portions in beautiful bags. These allow us to quickly top a small number of burgers without having an unfinished jar of pickles in the fridge for weeks. The bags are also perfect for taking on picnics or giving as gifts.
What makes SuckerPunch cucumbers so special?
The SuckerPunch Difference
While the basic method for pickling cucumbers hasn't changed in a while, SuckerPunch is throwing down the gauntlet. While fermented cucumbers use sugar and water, pickled cucumbers use vinegar and salt. At SuckerPunch, our cucumbers pack a bigger punch because our method uses organic, non-GMO ingredients to minimize unwanted chemical reactions and maximize flavor for a crispier snack that punches back. Tired of boring pickles? It's time to ditch the classic kosher dill pickles and choose a pickle that will delight your palate. SuckerPunch uses a smaller cucumber with fewer seeds and thinner skin, creating a delicious and crunchy pickle.
Choosing the ideal cucumber
The SuckerPunch difference starts with the perfect cucumber. After all, you can't make a perfect cucumber unless you start with the ideal cucumber.
Have you ever wondered why some cucumbers have the perfect crunch while others are mushy and lackluster? Choosing the perfect cucumber is one of the crucial differences between the perfect crunch and a disappointing, crunchy, limp mess.
SuckerPunch uses only locally sourced, organic, seasonal cucumbers to produce our superior pickles. The fact that our pickles change seasonally helps ensure the flavor of our pickles is always perfect.
You have to have the juice!
At SuckerPunch, our cucumbers undergo a rigorous juice cleansing program. Instead of a three-day master cleanse, the cucumbers absorb as much of our 11-spice-infused juice as they can.
This helps with the transition from sweet pickles to broth-coated pickles. The cucumber flavor is always present in a good pickle; it's simply reinvented and intensified, allowing the pickle juice to have its moment in the spotlight.
Timing is everything
Once you've soaked the best cucumbers in high-quality pickle juice, you need to wait the right amount of time. Too little, and the cucumber won't absorb the flavor of the broth, but too long, and the cucumber may begin to ferment.
Okay, maybe that last paragraph was a bit of an exaggeration, but the truth is, every batch of cucumbers is a little different. In reality, a cucumber can be done in as little as two hours, but it can also stay good for up to two years with proper storage!
At SuckerPunch, our pickles are made in small batches to ensure maximum flavor and perfect pickles every time. While we can't give away too many of our secrets, we can tell you that our pickles are soaked in broth for much longer than two hours, but much less than two years!
If you are a cucumber lover:
You absolutely have to try Stonewall Kitchen 's Pickle-Slaw and Spicy Pickle-Slaw—they're such fun twists on the classic coleslaw, packed with the bold flavors of pickles. Made with premium ingredients like crispy cabbage and Stonewall Kitchen's famous pickles, these salads are a perfect balance of crunch and flavor, especially when served straight from the fridge. Add them to your BBQ favorites, or sandwiches, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. Go ahead, treat your taste buds!
- Pickle Slaw : This special slaw adds a fresh, tangy twist to everyday dishes. Pickles combine with pickled vegetables like thinly sliced peppers, onions, and radishes in a flavorful brine to create the perfect accompaniment for sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salads, and more.
- Spicy Pickle Slaw : Some like it spicy—and for those who do, this spicy slaw is sure to be a hit! Pickles combine with thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, and radishes in a spicy, peppery brine to create a bold accompaniment for sandwiches, fish tacos, pasta salads, and more.
