Pickles: The Surprising Snack for Gut Health and Gardening Enthusiasts

As a pickling enthusiast, you might be wondering if pickles are a healthy snack option. The answer is yes and no. According to registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, pickles are a low-calorie food rich in probiotics, which support a healthy balance of gut bacteria. However, they are high in sodium content. But what makes pickles a great snack for gut health, and how can gardening enthusiasts grow their own pickles?

The Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, like pickles, are a natural source of live probiotics, which help restore or maintain the health of our gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a group of over a trillion microorganisms that live in our intestinal tract, playing a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune response. Fermented foods are a great way to support gut health, and pickles are an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

Growing Your Own Pickles

If you’re interested in growing your own pickles, you can use a trellis to train the vines to grow up. This method makes working with the plants and picking the pickles easy on the back. You can use a variety of pickles, such as Burpee Pickler, Ferry-Morse Garden Bush Pickle, or Burpee Picklebush. These produce pickles that are 1.5 to 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.

Pickle Recipes and Ideas

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your pickles, try making dill pickles or smash burgers with pickle dijons. You can also use pickles in chicken pickle piccata or crispy chicken sandwiches with pickle dijons. The possibilities are endless!

Magnolia Petals: The Surprising Pickle Ingredient

Did you know that magnolia petals can be pickled? Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recently shared that you can pickle magnolia petals and use them in rice dishes, noodles, or with cured meats. The flavor is similar to ginger, and it’s a great way to add some excitement to your meals.

Conclusion

Pickles are a great snack option for gut health, and gardening enthusiasts can easily grow their own pickles using a trellis. With the benefits of fermented foods and the versatility of pickles in recipes, it’s no wonder pickles are a popular snack. So, go ahead and indulge in your favorite pickle recipe, or try something new with magnolia petals!

Pickles on a trellis

Magnolia petals