Pickles

Pickles are a great and an extremely healthy snack.  They are low in saturated fat and very low in cholesterol.  It is also a good source of Vitamin A, iron, potassium, manganese, and a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin K and calcium. 

Pickles are simply cucumbers soaked in vinegar and other spices and flavors.  Pickles can be eaten plain with the delicious flavors of either the original dill pickle, or the sweet bread-and-butter pickle. 

Pickles can be bought in chips, chunks, gherkins, halves, lengthwise slices (for sandwiches), salad cubes, relish, spears, sticks, and whole.  Pickles are served in many different forms.  Many people simply enjoy their pickles whole; others like them on their sandwiches and burgers. Still, others prefer pickles in appetizers mixed with other foods. Any of these ways will help you enjoy the original and healthy food. 

Americans consume about 9 pounds of pickles each year, and 67 percent of all Americans eat pickles.  Over 100,000 acres in America are devoted to growing pickle cucumbers.  They are grown in 30 different states, primarily in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, North and South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

By Wil Woodhouse