Kind of a Big Dill: A Celebration of Pickling and Food Sovereignty

As the leaves begin to change and the chill of autumn creeps in, there’s a unique event that warms the hearts and bellies of our community—the annual Pickle-Off at the Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis. This isn’t just any pickling contest; it’s a vibrant celebration of food sovereignty, community, and creativity, all showcased through the art of pickling.

Discovering delicious flavors through pickling.

A Roots Revival: More Than Just a Competition

The festivities kicked off under the delisious aroma of pickles being opened, each jar a testament to the hard work of local picklers. Cassie Holmes, a citizen of the Lac Courte Oreilles Lake Superior Band of Ojibwe and co-founder of the Pickle-Off, served as a glimmering host, offering samples using toothpicks. The cheerful spirit this event brings is infectious. From the moment that first jar popped open, the competition — and camaraderie — were in full swing.

This friendly rivalry began humbly as a challenge between neighbors. A local urban farmer from Little Earth of United Tribes claimed to make the best pickles, leading to a friendly bet between former Minneapolis Council member Lisa Goodman and pediatrician Dr. Angie Erdrich, who both wanted in on the fun. Now, the Pickle-Off is in its third year, open to all, welcoming both novices and seasoned picklers to pitch their best recipes.

The Impact of Community

At its core, the Pickle-Off encourages everyone to engage in food preservation and to promote food sovereignty, the idea that Indigenous people can cultivate local, healthy food networks. As I strolled through the event, it was heartwarming to see the community come together, showcasing an array of pickling techniques layered in love.

The Native American Community Development Institute and the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis sponsored the event, emphasizing the importance of small local businesses participating in this celebration. For instance, Tyra Payer and Paige Hietpas of their business “CanIHaveSome” found their niche in the canning world, sharing not just food but also the joy that comes with it.

“At the end of the day, this is just a life-giving project for us,” said Hietpas. “That sometimes makes for some long nights, but it’s worth it because we get to share food together.”

Honoring cultural traditions through food.

I couldn’t help but reflect on how food, particularly in its preserved forms, holds so much significance in our lives. Whether it’s gathering around a table with a homemade spread or sharing a jar across the miles, these moments are invaluable. As Payer shared, “It’s a way to have fun, eat healthy delicious foods and share it with loved ones—it’s a way to keep a lot of these traditions going.”

The Art of Pickling

The competition categorized pickles into “Dill” and “Special” entries, where judges sampled more than half a dozen variations on these classic bites. Each participant aimed to score points based on visual appeal, color, crunch, and taste. I had the chance to chat with Destiny Jones, a Ho-Chunk citizen who won the “Best Pickle” trophy for her spicy dill recipe.

“I use a lot of fresh herbs—dill, garlic, and fresh peppers,” she explained passionately. The depth of flavors in her winning recipe not only showcased her skills but also the potential of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as she lives deeply connected to her land.

Crafting the perfect pickle takes creativity and tradition.

Dr. Erdrich also took home a prize this year for her delicious bread and butter pickles, credits her success to her unique gardening method—growing cucumbers vertically in her urban garden. “If you’re living in an urban setting, you can kind of train them upward,” she explained, demonstrating innovation in small spaces.

Rebuilding Connections

Jason Garcia, one of the judges this year, emphasized the significance of these events in building local food networks. “Taking care of their food and taking ownership of what they’re putting into their bodies, it’s really a full, holistic approach to food sovereignty,” he said. Words like these truly resonate, especially in a world where many have lost their ties to the origins of their food.

Participating in this year’s Pickle-Off was a reminder of the rich traditions we have the privilege to preserve. It’s not merely about who has the best pickles, but about fostering connections among community members, bridging intergenerational wisdom through food, and reinforcing our choice to prioritize local and healthy practices.

Building bonds through food.

Conclusion: A Season of Connection

September marks food preservation month, and the Four Sisters Farmers Market celebrated it beautifully through this pickling event. Various sessions throughout the festival taught participants the art of curing, pickling, freezing, and canning. Each shared jar of pickles is a story of love, tradition, and a pledge to sustain our food systems.

The Pickle-Off stands as a loving testament to what food sovereignty means—nurturing our bodies while honoring our lands and communities. So as the season changes and we prepare to store away summer’s bounty, let’s embrace the art of pickling, preserving our connections through the flavors we love.

In this spirit, I encourage fellow gardeners and food lovers to experiment with their own recipes. Celebrate each pickle, each jar, and each shared moment, because in the end, we are all in this together, one dill at a time.

Join the Pickling Revolution

Are you inspired to start your pickling journey? Join us next year and be part of this amazing community event. Let your creative juices flow, and remember—the best pickle can sometimes just boil down to that perfect crunch.

Join the movement, one pickle at a time.