A burger without the famous American pickles? For many burger lovers, this is unthinkable. The crispy, sour cucumber slices have become an indispensable part of many first-class 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:
- Balance of flavors: A burger is a combination of different flavors and textures - juicy meat, crispy vegetables, creamy sauces and soft buns. The sour notes of the pickles cut through the rich and savory flavors of the burger, creating a balanced explosion 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 pleasant crunch. The crunchy feeling when biting into the pickle slices brings 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, sour profile adds a refreshing note to the burger and ensures that it doesn't seem too heavy or overwhelming.
- Versatility: Pickles are extremely versatile and can be customized according to your preference and taste. From classic sour pickles to sweet bread-and-butter pickles or spicy jalapeño slices, pickles offer a wide range of options to customize the burger exactly how you want it .
In which regions of America are cucumbers particularly popular?
Pickles are popular in various regions in the United States, but they have a particularly strong presence in some regions and are an integral part of the local food culture. Here are some regions where pickles are particularly popular:
- New York: Pickles are an integral part of the delicatessen culture in New York City. There, pickled cucumbers, also known as "New York style pickles" or simply "sour pickles," are particularly popular. Particularly in neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side, which were influenced by Jewish immigrants, they are one of the classic delicacies offered in Jewish delicatessens, also known as "deli." New York style pickles are characterized by their characteristic sour taste and crunchy texture. They are often pickled in a spicy brine that gives them their unique flavor. This authentic taste has helped make pickles a symbol of New York food culture. They are a popular accompaniment to sandwiches, bagels with lox, hot dogs, and hamburgers, and in New York they are also eaten as a snack on their own or served alongside other delicacies such as pastrami and corned beef. New York City is home to a variety of shops specializing 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 fried 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 ingrained in local cuisine in the western U.S. as in other regions, they are still popular and readily available in supermarkets and delis, often served as a side dish with sandwiches and burgers.
What types of pickled cucumbers are there?
All of the types of pickles mentioned above are available in the United States, and many of them are widely available and popular. Here is an overview of the different types of pickles commonly available in the United States:
- Dill pickles: Dill pickles are common 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 USA and are often served as a side dish with sandwiches and burgers. They are particularly 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 are 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 are a popular choice for those who like a little more 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 sharp-sweet flavour and are a popular choice for those looking for a change from classic sour pickles.
- Cornichons: These small pickled cucumbers are also available in the US and are often served as an accompaniment 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 have offered a number of cucumbers from various American suppliers in our American Heritage range. In principle, all of the cucumbers we tested were good, but as an importer we are subject to certain purchasing conditions and therefore we could not keep all of them in our range. If a supplier expects high minimum purchase quantities from us, for example, we can buy a few cucumbers in the off-season.
We love SuckerPunch pickles because they taste great and are also extremely practical. SuckerPunch from Illinois offers single-serving portions in beautiful bags. This means we can quickly top a small number of burgers and not have an open jar of pickles in the fridge for weeks. The bags are also great for taking on picnics or giving as gifts.
What makes SuckerPunch cucumbers so special?
The SuckerPunch Difference
While the basic method of 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 pickles pack a better punch because our method uses organic, non-GMO ingredients to minimize unwanted chemical reactions and maximize flavor for a crisper snack that punches back. Fed up of boring pickles? It's time to say goodbye to the classic kosher dill pickles and choose a pickle that will tantalize your taste buds. 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 a perfect cucumber is one of the critical differences between the perfect crunch and a disappointing, crunchy, limp mess.
SuckerPunch uses only locally sourced, organic, seasonal cucumbers to create our superior pickles. The fact that our pickles change seasonally helps ensure that the flavor of our pickles is always perfect.
You have to have the juice!
At SuckerPunch, our cucumbers undergo a rigorous juice cleanse 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. In a good pickle, the cucumber flavor is always present; it's just reinvented and intensified, allowing the pickle juice to have its moment in the spotlight.
Timing is everything
Once you soak the best cucumbers in high-quality cucumber juice, you need to wait the right amount of time. Too short, and the cucumber will not absorb the nuance of the broth, but too long, and the cucumber can start to ferment.
OK, that last paragraph might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but the truth is, every batch of pickles is a little different. In reality, a pickle can be done in as little as two hours, but it can also stay good for up to two years if stored properly!
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 brined for much longer than two hours, but much less than two years!
If you are a cucumber lover:
You have to try Stonewall Kitchen 's Pickle-Slaw and Spicy Pickle-Slaw - they're such fun variations on the classic slaw, 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 tasty 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.
