About this time in New England, you start craving farm-fresh vegetables and yearning to get back to your garden. Pickled vegetables are a way to connect to those fresh, locally grown veggies all year round. They can be eaten by themselves, straight out of the jar, used as a side dish, condiment, or added to recipes.
The Benefits of Pickled Vegetables
Pickled products are not only delicious, they are said to be good for your health too. Pickled vegetables retain some of their original nutritional content like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But one of the main health benefits of pickled vegetables is their probiotic content. The fermentation process, which is a result of the pickling process and time vegetables spent in the pickling solution, is what gives pickled vegetables their distinct tangy flavor and longer shelf life. This process introduces healthy bacteria, which can support gut health and digestion. Pickled vegetables also contain antioxidant properties thanks to certain compounds formed during fermentation. Adding pickled vegetables to your meals or snack time is a great way to create variety and add nutritional value to your diet.
Pickled Vegetables, a New England Tradition
Pickled vegetables have a long history across many different cultures. Here in New England, pickled vegetables have been a tradition since colonial times. Pickling originated as a way to preserve vegetables during the long winter months when fresh produce was not available. And the technique has withstood the test of time for a reason! Pickled items are tasty, crunchy, and add a unique flavor to our foods.
Pickled Items
Here at Calef’s, we pickled everything, it is a New England tradition. Our growing season is short so we “put up” the bounties of the harvest so they can be enjoyed year-round. Spring Carrots, Asparagus, Garlic, Watermelon Rind, and of course our famous barrel pickles.
Calef’s Pickles are almost as famous as our “Snappy Old Cheese”. We ship the delicious Dills and Sours all over the country, they are even on the menu at a local Barrington restaurant.
The Best Pickled Products Jarred by Calef’s & Maine Homestead
For generations, Calef’s has pickled items using our famous pickling liquid combined with homestyle garden fresh ingredients. Choose from traditional pickled items like Dilled Green Beans and cucumbers transformed into Farmhouse Pickles with fresh cucumber halves, carrots and onions. Our Pickled Eggs, are something you won’t see in just any grocery store! These eggs are a New England favorite, available in mild or spicy. We also have Quail eggs pickled in a mild or spicy brine. These unusual eggs can be intimidating, but we find them quite delicious!
Dilled Green Beans
Mild Quail Eggs
Online, you will also find another New England pickling company, Maine Homestead Pickles, made in Lyman, ME. Started as a way to use up extra cucumbers from the garden, their tasty pickles gained community support and a strong following. The desire for great local food has allowed the company to grow and expand their delicious pickled products. For a classic pickle try Maine Homestead Bread & Butter Pickles. A traditional style crunchy sweet pickle and the perfect snack. Beware these might be gone in a couple days. Or try something more spicy like Mustard Pickles and Sweet and Spicy Pickles. For a yummy crunchy snack or salad addition try Hot Dill Carrot and Pickled Beets for a nice side dish.
Maine Homestead Bread & Butter Pickles
Maine Homestead Hot Dill Carrots
Maine Homestead and Calef’s pickled items are customer favorites and a great place to begin, or expand, your pickled vegetable stash! Go beyond our famous pickles and try Pickled Beets or Dilled Green Beans as a delicious entry to pickled vegetables. Enjoy the different flavors and textures of these crunchy, tangy, and fresh pickled products.
