Why does a good burger need pickles?

Apr 22, 2024

A burger without the famous American pickles? For many burger lovers, that's unthinkable. The crispy, tangy pickle slices have become an essential part of 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:

Taste Balance: A burger is a combination of different flavours and textures - juicy meat, crispy vegetables, creamy sauces, and soft buns. The tangy notes of the pickles cut through the rich and savoury flavours of the burger, creating a balanced explosion of taste that makes every bite enjoyable.
Texture and Crunch: Pickles not only add flavour to the burger but also provide a unique texture and satisfying crunch. The crisp feeling when biting into the cucumber slices adds an extra dimension to the burger, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
Freshness and Balance: Amidst all the rich ingredients of a burger - from juicy meat to creamy sauce - pickles serve as a refreshing counterpoint. Their crisp, tangy profile adds a refreshing touch to the burger, ensuring it doesn't feel too heavy or overwhelming.
Versatility: Pickles are extremely versatile and can be customized according to preference and taste. From classic dill pickles to sweet bread-and-butter pickles or spicy jalapeño slices, pickles offer a wide range of options to customize the burger exactly to one's liking.

Which regions of America are gerkin pickles particularly popular in?

Pickled cucumbers are popular in various regions of 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 pickled cucumbers are especially popular:

New York: Pickled cucumbers are an essential part of the delicatessen culture in New York City. Known as "New York Style Pickles" or simply "sour pickles," they are especially popular there. Particularly in neighbourhoods like the Lower East Side, influenced by Jewish immigrants, they are classic delicacies offered in Jewish delis. New York Style Pickles are characterized by their distinctly sour taste and crispy texture. They are often pickled in a spicy brine that gives them their unique flavour. This authentic taste has helped pickled cucumbers become a symbol of New York's food culture. They are a popular accompaniment to sandwiches, lox bagels, hot dogs, and hamburgers in New York, and are also eaten as a snack on their own or served with other delicacies such as pastrami and corned beef. There are many shops in New York specializing in pickled cucumbers, including famous delis such as Katz's Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters.
Southern United States: In the southern states of the USA, pickled cucumbers are a popular accompaniment to many traditional dishes. They are often served with dishes such as grilled meat, sandwiches, fish, and fried chicken, and are an integral part of events such as barbecues and picnics.
Midwest: Pickled cucumbers are also popular in the Midwest of the USA. They are often served as a side dish to regional specialties such as hot dogs, bratwurst, and sandwiches, and are also popular at barbecue parties and outdoor events.
New England: The New England region is also known for its love of pickled cucumbers. They are often served with seafood dishes such as lobster rolls and fish sandwiches and are a popular accompaniment to seafood and sandwiches in the region.
West Coast: Although pickled cucumbers may not be as deeply rooted in the local cuisine of the western states of the USA as in other regions, they are still popular and available in supermarkets and delicatessens. They are often served as a side dish to sandwiches and burgers.

What varieties of pickled cucumbers are there?

In the USA, all the mentioned types of pickled cucumbers are available, and many of them are widespread and popular. Here is an overview of the different types of pickled cucumbers commonly available in the USA:

Dill Pickles: Dill pickles are widely available in the USA and come in various flavours, from classic to spicy. They are a popular accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs, and are also often eaten as a snack on their own.
Bread-and-Butter Pickles: These sweet pickled cucumbers are also popular in the USA and are often served as a side dish to sandwiches and burgers. They are particularly popular in southern states and are also commonly used in homemade relishes and chutneys.
Half-Sour Pickles: Although they may not be as widespread as dill pickles, half-sour pickles are still available in many delicatessens and supermarkets in the USA. They are a popular choice for those who prefer a crispy bite and a milder taste.
Spicy Pickles: Spicy pickles are also popular in the USA and are often enriched with additional spices such as chilli, paprika, or jalapeños. They are a popular choice for those who like a little more spice in their pickled cucumbers.
Mustard Pickles: Mustard pickles are also available in the USA and are often served as a side dish to sandwiches and hot dogs. They have a tangy-sweet taste and are a popular choice for those looking for something different from classic dill pickles.
Cornichons: These small pickled cucumbers are also available in the USA and are often served as a side dish to cheese platters and charcuterie boards. They are particularly popular in fine restaurants and gourmet shops.

What are American Heritage's favorite gerkin pickles in Augsburg?

In recent years, we have offered some pickles from various suppliers in America in our American Heritage range. Generally, all the pickles we tested were good, but as an importer, we are subject to certain purchasing conditions and therefore could not keep all of them in stock. For example, if one of our suppliers expects high minimum orders, we can only purchase a few jars of pickles during the off-season.

We love SuckerPunch pickles because they taste very good and are also extremely practical. SuckerPunch from Illinois offers single-serve portions in beautiful bags. This allows us to quickly put a small number of burgers together without having an open jar of pickles in the refrigerator for weeks. The bags are also suitable for taking picnics and as gifts.

Pickles - Bread & Butter Chips Snack Pack from SuckerPunch

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Pickles - Three Pepper Chips Snack Pack von SuckerPunch | American Heritage

Pickles - Three Pepper Chips Snack Pack from SuckerPunch

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Pickles - Classic Kosher Dill Chips Snack Pack von SuckerPunch | American Heritage

Pickles - Classic Kosher Dill Chips Snack Pack from SuckerPunch

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What makes SuckerPunch Gerkin Pickles so special?

The SuckerPunch Difference
While the basic method of pickling cucumbers hasn’t changed in quite some time, SuckerPunch is throwing down the gauntlet. While fermented pickles use sugar and water, brined pickles use vinegar and salt. At SuckerPunch, our pickles pack a better punch because our method uses organic, GMO-free ingredients to minimize unwanted chemical interactions and maximizing taste for a snappier snack that punches back. Tired of boring pickles? It’s time to ditch the classic kosher dill pickles and choose a pickle that savours your taste buds. SuckerPunch uses a smaller cucumber with fewer seeds and thinner skin that creates a delicious and crunchy pickle.

Selecting The Ideal Cucumber
The SuckerPunch Difference starts with the perfect cucumber. After all, you can’t make the perfect pickle unless you start with the ideal cuke.

Have you ever wondered why some pickles have the perfect snap while others are mushy and lacklustre? Picking a perfect cucumber is one of the pivotal distinctions between the perfect snap and a disappointing, crunch-less, soggy mess.

SuckerPunch uses only locally sourced, organic, in-season cucumbers to create our superior pickles. The fact that our cucumbers change seasonally helps ensure that the flavour of our pickles is always perfect.

You Gotta Have The Juice!
At SuckerPunch, our cucumbers put themselves through a rigorous juice cleanse. Instead of a three-day master cleanse, cucumbers drink in as much of our 11-spice blend-infused juice as they can.

This helps with the transition from sweet cucumbers to brine-battered pickles. In a good pickle, the cucumber flavour is always there; it’s just re-invented and intensified, allowing the pickle juice to have its moment in the spotlight.

Timing Is Everything
Once you have the best cucumbers soaking in high-quality pickle juice, you have to wait the right amount of time. Too short, and the pickle won’t pick up the brine's nuance, but too long and the pickle may start to ferment.

Ok, the last paragraph may have been a little hyperbolic, but the truth is every batch of pickles is a little different. In reality, a pickle can be ready in as little as two hours, but it can also stay good in its brine for up to two years if properly stored!

At SuckerPunch, our pickles are done in small batches to ensure maximum flavour and perfect pickles every time. While we can’t give away too many of our secrets, we can tell you that our pickles brine for much longer than two hours but way shorter than two years!

If you're a Gerkin Lover:
You must try Stonewall Kitchen's Pickle-Slaw and Spicy Pickle-Slaw—they're such fun twists on classic coleslaw, packed with the bold flavors of gherkin pickles. Made with top ingredients like crispy cabbage and Stonewall Kitchen's famous pickles, these slaws are a perfect balance of crunch and flavour, especially when served straight from the fridge. Add them to your BBQ favourites, or sandwiches, or enjoy them as a solo snack. Go ahead, give your taste buds a treat!

Pickle Slaw: This special slaw brings a bright, tangy twist to everyday dishes. Gherkins combine with pickled veggies like thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, and radishes in a tasty brine to create the perfect pairing for sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salads, and more.
Spicy Pickle Slaw: Some like it hot—and for those who do this spicy slaw is sure to be a hit! Gherkins combine with thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, and radishes in a zesty, peppery brine to create a punchy pairing for hoagies, fish tacos, pasta salads, and more.

Shop Recommended Gerkin Pickles:

Posted in Good to know and Culinary

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