Branna: Be-Hold the Pickles!
Love’em or hate ‘em, pickles have a pertinent place in America and beyond. The stats state that the average American packs away 8.5 pounds of pickles a year and Midwesterners are driving the trend. It’s time to realize the relevance of this requisite relish!
The prevalence of the pickle dates back many decades, even centuries. Cleopatra consumed them to boost her beauty regiment. Julius Caesar ensured his soldiers ate them to maintain strength and endurance. History credits Christopher Columbus for bringing the preservative practice of pickling to the New World where it remains to reign as a cult- classic, especially with Gen Z. Instacart has officially dubbed these days a “brine boom.” To define this Kosher concoction as simply a sumptuous snack is simply absurd!
As if its tempting taste wasn’t enough, consider the curative powers of this prime produce. From halting a hangover to beauty-producing properties, pickles have also even been known as a popular predictor for pregnancy! One old wives’ tale says a hankering for sour, salty foods during pregnancy points toward a bouncing baby boy, while sweet and fruity cravings supposedly will grace you with a girl. Pickles also pack a punch for managing muscle cramps, boosting blood sugar control, and excels in antioxidant properties. Have I made my point in the power of pickles?
Let’s turn now to preferences of the proverbial palette. I admit that pickles have a personal place both in my past and present. I cherish the childhood memories of those joyous jars of Aunt Gladys’ delectable home-grown dills. To this day, I’m pretty particular when it comes to my pick of the pickle. Vlasic may be a classic, but I cater more to the crunch of a Claussen.
Corporations are clamoring to favor the flavor of foods toward the preference of pickle-lovers everywhere . In July 2025, in honor of National Pickle Month, Sonic boasted the Big Dill Double and the Picklerita Slushie. Popeye’s has its own pickle lineup and Lay’s Dill Pickle Potato Chips remain a runaway favorite. And you’d be hard-pressed to pass up fried pickles as a main appetizer on any merchant’s menu.
Even the world of sports has parlayed into a passion for Pickleball, the latest, greatest craze for young and old alike. In fact, this playful pastime is so popular, you may find yourself in a pickle in pursuing an open court.
Yes, the coiffured cucumber is the garden’s most prolific produce, second only to zucchini squash. More than just a gourmet gherkin that garnishes the table, the preponderance for this classic cornichon can’t be denied. One might even proclaim the mighty pickle has earned its due DILL-igence!
Branna (McCarty) Shores believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud graduate of NHS and Purdue University, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com