The name “bread and butter pickles” is one that often sparks curiosity. It’s a seemingly odd pairing of words for a food item that primarily features cucumbers. To understand the origins of this peculiar moniker, we need to journey back in time and explore the resourceful spirit of American culinary history. The story is far more fascinating than one might initially suspect, revealing a tale of perseverance, bartering, and the ingenious use of readily available ingredients.
The Jacobson Family: Pioneers of the Bread and Butter Pickle
The most widely accepted origin story revolves around Glaser and Lena Jacobson, a farming couple from Illinois. During the Great Depression, resources were scarce, and many families struggled to make ends meet. The Jacobsons, like many others, faced the challenge of preserving their garden’s bounty to ensure they had food to sustain them through the leaner months.
Their garden overflowed with cucumbers, more than they could possibly consume fresh. Faced with the prospect of waste, Lena Jacobson began experimenting with pickling recipes. She wasn’t just aiming for preservation; she was striving for flavor. She developed a unique recipe featuring sliced cucumbers, onions, vinegar, and a blend of sweet and savory spices.
Bartering for Essentials: Bread and Butter
The key to the name lies in how the Jacobsons utilized these pickles. Facing financial hardships, they began trading their surplus pickles with the local grocer in exchange for essential staples, primarily bread and butter. This bartering system allowed them to obtain necessities they couldn’t afford otherwise. The pickles literally became their “bread and butter,” providing a crucial source of sustenance during a difficult economic period.
The grocer, recognizing the appeal and quality of Lena’s pickles, began selling them under the now-iconic name “Bread and Butter Pickles.” The name was instantly relatable and conveyed the pickles’ value as a household staple.
The Jacobson’s Pickle Company
The demand for the Jacobsons’ pickles grew steadily. In 1923, they officially registered the name “Bread and Butter Pickles” and established the Jacobson’s Pickle Company in St. Charles, Illinois. This cemented their place in culinary history as the originators of this beloved pickle variety. Although the original company no longer exists, the recipe and the name continue to thrive, enjoyed by generations.
The Defining Characteristics of Bread and Butter Pickles
What sets bread and butter pickles apart from other types of pickles? It’s more than just the name. These pickles possess a distinctive flavor profile and texture that contribute to their unique appeal.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor Profile
Unlike dill pickles, which are predominantly sour and savory, bread and butter pickles are characterized by a distinctly sweet and tangy flavor. This sweetness comes from the addition of sugar to the pickling brine, which balances the acidity of the vinegar. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The Spice Blend: Aromatic Complexity
The spice blend used in bread and butter pickles typically includes a combination of mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and occasionally other spices like cloves or allspice. These spices contribute to the pickles’ aromatic complexity and add depth to their overall flavor profile. The turmeric also gives them their characteristic yellow color.
Crisp Texture and Thin Slices
Bread and butter pickles are typically made with thinly sliced cucumbers. This not only allows the pickling brine to penetrate more effectively but also contributes to their crisp and slightly yielding texture. The thin slices make them easy to eat and add to sandwiches or enjoy as a side dish.
Bread and Butter Pickles vs. Other Pickles: A Comparison
Understanding the differences between bread and butter pickles and other types of pickles is essential to appreciating their unique qualities.
Dill Pickles: The Sour Cousin
Dill pickles, perhaps the most well-known type of pickle, are brined with dill, garlic, and other spices but generally lack the sweetness of bread and butter pickles. They are predominantly sour and savory, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a more intense, tangy flavor.
Sweet Pickles: The Sugar Rush
While both bread and butter pickles and sweet pickles contain sugar, sweet pickles typically have a much higher sugar content. This results in a flavor that is significantly sweeter and less tangy than that of bread and butter pickles.
Gherkin Pickles: The Tiny Treat
Gherkin pickles are made from small, immature cucumbers. They can be pickled in a variety of brines, including sweet, sour, and spicy. Their small size and crisp texture make them a popular appetizer or garnish. While some gherkins might share a sweet flavor profile, they generally lack the specific spice blend that defines bread and butter pickles.
The Enduring Appeal of Bread and Butter Pickles
Despite their humble origins, bread and butter pickles have maintained their popularity throughout the decades. Their versatility and unique flavor profile have made them a staple in many households.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Bread and butter pickles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are a classic addition to sandwiches and burgers, adding a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements savory flavors. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish, a topping for salads, or even as a unique ingredient in relishes and salsas.
A Nostalgic Comfort Food
For many, bread and butter pickles evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Their familiar flavor and connection to simpler times make them a cherished food memory. They represent a time when resourcefulness and ingenuity were essential skills, and when food was valued not only for its sustenance but also for its ability to bring people together.
Modern Interpretations and Variations
While the classic bread and butter pickle recipe remains popular, modern interpretations and variations continue to emerge. Some recipes incorporate different spices, such as red pepper flakes, to add a touch of heat. Others use alternative sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, to create a more natural flavor. These variations demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptability of this beloved pickle variety.
In conclusion, the name “bread and butter pickles” is far more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness of the Jacobson family during the Great Depression. Their ingenious bartering system, using pickles to obtain essential staples like bread and butter, gave rise to the name that has resonated for generations. The unique sweet and tangy flavor, combined with their crisp texture, has cemented their place as a beloved and versatile addition to the American culinary landscape. Their story is a reminder that even the simplest of foods can have a rich and fascinating history, connecting us to the past and inspiring creativity in the kitchen.
Why are bread and butter pickles called bread and butter pickles?
The name “bread and butter pickles” originated in the 1920s with a farming couple, Omar and Cora Fanning, who were struggling financially. They had an abundance of undersized cucumbers and bartered them with a local grocer for essential staples, primarily bread and butter.
Effectively, these pickles became their currency. The Fannings subsequently patented their sweet pickle recipe and began commercially producing “Fanning’s Bread and Butter Pickles,” cementing the name and its association with their specific sweet and tangy concoction.
What makes bread and butter pickles different from other types of pickles?
The key difference lies in their flavor profile. Unlike dill pickles, which are primarily sour and salty, bread and butter pickles are characterized by their sweetness and tang. This is achieved through the addition of sugar and spices like turmeric, mustard seed, and celery seed, resulting in a noticeably sweeter taste.
While other pickle varieties may incorporate some sweetness, bread and butter pickles are defined by this balance between sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The specific spices and proportions used contribute to their unique and readily identifiable flavor, setting them apart from kosher dills or sweet gherkins.
What are the common ingredients in bread and butter pickles?
The foundational ingredients are cucumbers, vinegar (usually white or cider vinegar), and sugar. Beyond these basics, spices play a crucial role in defining their flavor. Turmeric is almost always included, contributing to the pickles’ distinctive yellow color and subtle earthy note.
Mustard seeds and celery seeds are also prevalent, providing pungent and aromatic dimensions. Onions, often thinly sliced, add another layer of flavor and texture. Some recipes might include bell peppers or other spices for variation, but the combination of turmeric, mustard seed, and celery seed with vinegar and sugar is what makes them truly bread and butter pickles.
Can I make bread and butter pickles at home?
Absolutely! Making bread and butter pickles at home is a relatively straightforward process, especially if you have a surplus of cucumbers. There are numerous recipes available online and in cookbooks, offering variations in spice combinations and sweetness levels.
The basic process involves slicing cucumbers and onions, combining them with spices, and then pickling them in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and salt. The pickles need to sit in the brine for a certain period to absorb the flavors and properly pickle. Home-made bread and butter pickles offer the advantage of adjusting the sweetness and spice levels to suit your personal preferences.
What are some good ways to serve or eat bread and butter pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They’re excellent as a standalone snack, offering a sweet and tangy burst of flavor. They also make a fantastic addition to sandwiches and burgers, providing a contrasting texture and taste that cuts through richness.
Consider using them in potato salad or tuna salad for a sweet and tangy twist on classic recipes. Chopped bread and butter pickles can also be incorporated into relishes or sauces. Their sweetness pairs well with grilled meats or fish, offering a balanced flavor profile.
Are bread and butter pickles a healthy snack option?
While bread and butter pickles contain vegetables and offer some nutritional benefits, it’s important to consider their sugar and sodium content. The pickling process often involves a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to a higher calorie count. The sodium content can also be high due to the use of salt in the brine.
However, they are relatively low in fat and can provide some vitamins and minerals found in cucumbers. Moderation is key. If you’re concerned about sugar or sodium intake, consider making your own bread and butter pickles at home, allowing you to control the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your dietary needs.
Where did the Fannings get their recipe for bread and butter pickles?
While the Fannings are credited with popularizing the name “bread and butter pickles” and commercially producing them, the exact origin of their recipe remains somewhat obscure. It’s highly likely that their recipe was based on existing sweet pickle recipes that were common at the time.
Pickling cucumbers was a traditional method of preserving them, and sweet pickle variations had likely been around for generations. The Fannings may have adapted or refined an existing recipe, or perhaps created their own unique blend of spices and sweetness. Regardless, their innovation lay in recognizing the commercial potential and successfully marketing their specific version as “Bread and Butter Pickles.”