Dive into a tangy discussion with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast. Exploring the world of pickles, Josh and Chuck offer a delightful contrast of perspectives, as Chuck voices his dislike for pickles against Josh's clear fascination. Their engaging banter is peppered with personal anecdotes, such as Chuck's family tale of shared pickle aversion and discussions about their surprising and sometimes unwelcome appearance in meals. The episode addresses the polarizing nature of pickles, a theme relatable to many with strong culinary preferences.
Unwrapping the salty history and clever techniques behind pickling, the hosts travel back to ancient Mesopotamia, uncovering the earliest practices and the evolution of pickles as status symbols in Victorian England. Listeners learn about lacto-fermentation alongside recipes for classic dill and bread & butter pickles. Josh and Chuck also examine the health benefits of pickles, their role in New York deli culture, and how brands like H.J. Heinz revolutionized the pickle industry. By the end, even the most selective eaters might be inspired to give pickles another chance, with a nudge towards the intriguing half-sour dill from the enthusiastic Josh.
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Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the voices behind the "Short Stuff: Pickles" podcast, share a humorous and dynamic chemistry that quickly draws listeners into their pickle discourse. Chuck makes no secret of his distaste for pickles, a sentiment not shared by his co-host Josh, who approaches the topic with zest.
In a personal twist, Chuck recounts a story about his nephew's wife, who shares his pickle aversion. This anecdote underscores the pair's discussion about the divisive nature of pickles and their sometimes unexpected appearances in meals, much to the chagrin of some diners.
The podcast takes us on a journey through time, beginning with the inception of pickling in ancient Mesopotamia around 2030 BCE for the preservation and transportation of cucumbers. An even older pickling tradition hailing from China is mentioned, though cucumbers were not the pickled fruit of choice in this culture. The etymology of the word 'pickle' is also explored, with potential roots in Dutch or German terms.
During the Victorian era in England, pickles were more than just food; they were a statement of wealth. Ornate pickle castors were used at the table, signifying a person's social standing. While pickling was initially a practice common among rural folks, it evolved into a marker of sophistication among city dwellers.
Josh takes a moment to describe the traditional method of creating lacto-fermented pickles at home. This process, which entails using a salt brine to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, gives homemade pickles a unique and often more robust flavor profile compared to their commercial counterparts.
Chuck contributes to the discussion by detailing the recipe for making classic dill pickles, using white vinegar, mustard seed, and dill, which contrast with his preferred bread and butter pickles that are sweetened and spiced with celery seed and turmeric.
As the conversation delves deeper, Josh debunks the myth that soft pickles are a natural state, explaining that pasteurization often leads to this softer texture while unfortunately eliminating the beneficial probiotics.
While navigating through the various pickling methods, Josh highlights the health benefits of both vinegar-based and salt brine pickles, noting how vinegar can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
The pair also reflects on the customary pairing of dill pickles with sandwiches in 1930s New York delis, noting the role of pickles in refreshing the palate between bites of rich meats and bread.
Transitioning from the consumption to the commercialization of pickles, H.J. Heinz's breakthrough into the jarred pickle market in 1860 is discussed, along with mentions of competing brands like Claussen, Mount Olive, and Vlasic.
The hosts touch upon a creative marketing campaign from the 1893 World's Fair, where pickle pendants became an inventive lure for potential customers.
In the final sections of the podcast, Chuck reveals his nuanced palate, expressing a particular fondness for the silky richness of balsamic vinegar over others.
The episode comes to a close with Josh playfully acknowledging Chuck's unique taste preferences and inviting him to explore the world of pickles with an open mind, possibly starting with the half sour dill variety that might just satisfy his selective taste buds.
1-Page Summary
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the voices behind the 'Short Stuff: Pickles' podcast, share a humorous and dynamic chemistry that quickly draws listeners into their pickle discourse.
During the lively exchange, Chuck expresses his personal preference for bread and butter pickles despite a general aversion to pickles, a sentiment not shared by his co-host Josh, who has a strong dislike for cucumbers unless they are pickled.
In a personal twist, Chuck recounts a story about his nephew's ...
Hosts' Pickle Perspectives
The podcast takes us on a journey through time, uncovering the ancient origins of pickling, which dates back to 2030 BCE in Mesopotamia for cucumbers and even further in China where the practice began 9,000 years ago, albeit not with cucumbers.
The exploration of the word 'pickle' extends to possible roots in Dutch or German language, connected to terms for saltwater or brine.
During the Victorian era in England, the esteem for pickles transcended consumption, as they were dis ...
The Rich History of Pickles
Josh explains the nuanced process of lacto-fermentation at home, which includes an essential tip to keep the pickles fully submerged in the brine, thus fostering the right conditions for beneficial bacteria to flourish and safe preservation.
Chuck begins by explaining the traditional salt brine pickling technique before delving into the specifics of creating classic dill pickles using white vinegar, mustard seed, and dill.
He contrasts this with his preferred bread and butter pickles, detailing the recipe that includes an extra serving of sugar, along with spices like celery seed and turmeric, contributing to their unique sweet-savory flavor profile.
Josh Clark provides insight into the texture of p ...
Delving into Pickling Techniques
Josh highlights the health benefits associated with the pickling process, particularly noting how vinegar-based brine can aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, a point that’s often overlooked but is essential for its dietary significance.
Chuck and Josh discuss the historical palate-cleansing tradition of Jewish delis established in the 19 ...
Health and Culinary Delights of Pickles
With a significant leap in pickle commerce, H.J. Heinz spearheaded the jarred pickle market beginning in 1860, setting a cornerstone for what would become an industry with numerous formidable brands like Claussen, Mount Olive, and Vlasic vying for market share.
A peculiar yet effective marketing ploy manifested at the 1893 Wo ...
From Glass Jars to Global Fairs: The Business of Pickles
In the final sections of the podcast, Chuck reveals his nuanced palate, expressing a particular fondness for the silky richness of balsamic vinegar over others.
As the episode concludes, Josh acknowledges Chuck's intricate food preferences and their comedic rapport.
The light-hearted conclusion embodies the po ...
Cultural Reflections and Personal Tastes
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