November 14 is National Pickle Day!

November 14 is National Pickle Day!

Pickles have been loved around the world for thousands of years, and are very popular in the United States today.

America is a melting pot of pickles – the beloved kosher dill pickle was first introduced to Americans in the 1800-1900s by an influx of Eastern European Jews to New York City. And the bread and butter pickles that so many enjoy were perfected by a family of Illinois farmers in the 1920s.

German immigrants brought another pickle tradition to America – the Christmas pickle. Some households hide a green, pickle-shaped ornament on their Christmas tree – the first family member to find it gets a special treat.

Did you know? In Texas, pickles are a common movie theater treat. Some Texans even like to mix their salty snacks, with a “popcorn pickle” thrown into the tub of popcorn.

Still life with cucumber, tomatoes, and vessels, Luis Egidio Meléndez, 1774

-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer