People have loved the diverse taste of pickles for many years, and the types of pickles have become quite expansive, including sweet, savory, or bread & butter pickles. But, each type of pickle has a very distinct taste, and the flavors used to enhance the tang differ between variants. So, what are the most common spices used for making pickles?
Common spices used for pickles include garlic, dill, pepper flakes, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, cinnamon, and peppercorn. Enthusiasts often use these spices as they are the most popular amongst the public, but pickles can be made with many other additions, depending on preference.
Although all pickles have a unique flavor on their own, the herbs and spices used in their creation play a prominent role in the flavor palette produced. Stick around to find out about the unique appeal of each of these popular flavor additions and why each is iconic for pickle recipes.
Garlic
Plenty of people adore the savory and intense flavor and aroma of garlic, and it’s a popular addition in many recipes. In addition to the ability to elevate any dish, garlic boasts numerous health benefits as well. Some of the most popular pickle recipes include garlic for a solid and rich flavor.
Others believe an “old wives’ tale” stating that adding garlic cloves when making pickles prevents them from becoming over-pickled and helps the pickles remain whole, but we know adding tannins is what helps a pickle stay firm. To get the most out of your garlic clove, before adding it to the jar put it through a garlic press. This releases natural oils in the garlic (what comes through the press will be wet) and lets the natural oils and flavor spread through your brine easier.
Dill
The dill leaf, seed, and head of the flower are useful for pickling and other seasoning purposes, but, the flower heads are the most popular for pickle recipes compared to the different parts of the plant. The flowers form on small stalks stemming from the primary stalk, and the flower head is often packed inside the jar as a bundle for pickles.
In some cases, the seeds of the dill plant can be used in many pickle recipes as it still adds flavor to the brine. While many pickle recipes call for dill in any variant, whether dried or fresh, bright green fresh dill undoubtedly offers a far more intense flavor and aroma. Using dill will give the pickles a distinct grassy, natural flavor, which is comparable to anise
Pepper Flakes
Pepper flakes, otherwise known as crushed red pepper or red pepper flakes, comprise crushed red chili peppers. Usually, pepper flakes are created using cayenne-type peppers, but commercial manufacturers produce them from numerous sources depending on location.
The addition of pepper flakes has become increasingly popular for various recipes since it offers a truly unique sweet yet savory flavor that additional spices can further adapt. Popular pickle recipes include pepper flakes for a spicy flavor.
Mustard Seed
Mustard seeds can pack a punch, and they are prevalent for those seeking pickles with a distinct taste, texture, and crunch. In fact, mustard seeds are commonly pickled themselves and added to dishes since being plumped up in brine drastically elevates their flavor profile, texture, and usage.
Mustard seeds can pack a punch, and they are prevalent for those seeking pickles with a distinct taste, texture, and crunch. In fact, mustard seeds are commonly pickled themselves and added to dishes since being plumped up in brine drastically elevates their flavor profile, texture, and usage.
Celery Seed
Celery seed, derived from wild celery, is a classic traditional addition in countless recipes and dishes, and it’s infamous for its health benefits as well. Celery seeds were initially used as a form of medicine thousands of years ago. They were common within Indian Ayurvedic medicine concerning colds, cases of flu, and various diseases involving the spleen and liver.
In more modern years, celery seeds are added into recipes and dishes for a distinct taste, with the added benefit of supporting waste output, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, easing inflammation, treating arthritis and gout, soothing muscle spasms, and calming nerves. The taste profile is described as slightly bitter but can be balanced out well within a good pickle recipe.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well-known for its stunningly vibrant color, and this is one of the primary reasons people add it to pickle recipes. A touch of turmeric adds another level to the aesthetic of pickles by maintaining a perfectly green-yellow hue and may be refreshing instead of pickles that naturally follow green-brown tones.
Turmeric has been used in traditional Eastern recipes for ages, offering a unique, musky yet earthy flavor that can easily overpower neighboring spices in large quantities. Besides, turmeric is a rhizome, is infamous for its antiseptic properties, and offers numerous health benefits for those who consume it.
Cinnamon
Using cinnamon for pickles is undoubtedly a unique and eccentric take on the dish, particularly the “Christmas Pickle”. Still, this flavor profile has become quite popular for those who enjoy pickles as a sweet treat compared to a savory snack. Sweet pickle recipes commonly use a hint of cinnamon to add natural tang and spice without adding heat, resulting in pickles that resemble candy chunks.
Cinnamon is a fantastic addition for health as well, as consuming cinnamon in various forms has numerous health benefits. Enthusiasts also enjoy using cinnamon with hot spices in pickle recipes. The spicy aroma of cinnamon can enhance heat notes, especially in unison with other spices such as cloves and salts.
Peppercorn
Peppercorn is infamous for a distinct tang, and the most popular variant of peppercorn to date is the black peppercorn, derived from the Piper Nigrum vine. Black peppercorn was also used in Ayurvedic medicine thousands of years ago for its high potency in plant compounds and health benefits.
Black peppercorn is high in antioxidants, assists in alleviating inflammation, improves brain function, assists blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol levels, and much more. Peppercorns have a bold flavor and are extremely popular in pickle recipes as a primary or complementary ingredient. It pairs well with almost any savory flavor profile, including those with hints of sweet, sour, salty, or spicy tones.
Although the most popular and common spices and additions offer fail-proof results, the great thing about pickles is that the potential for experimenting is limitless. Enthusiasts can use the most popular additions for a quick and straightforward option or can use these as inspiration for creative and innovative pickle recipes.