What are Pickles? Ingredients and Uses

Pickles are preserved cucumbers or other vegetables that have become very popular. Pickles originated as a means to prevent fresh foods from spoiling in ancient times. Pickling a food is done by soaking it in saltwater brine or vinegar to discourage the growth of bacteria as well as give it a distinctive flavor. Pickles may be eaten alone or as ingredients in sandwiches and a variety of other dishes.
A cucumber pickle