As with all of its other kosher traditions, Ben’s Kosher Deli follows the longstanding Jewish deli practice of giving out pickles free of charge along with their entrées and sandwiches throughout the year. “Pickles are a timeless delicacy and essential to the genuine deli experience,” says Ronnie Dragoon, Founder/Owner of Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen. “A good pickle complements a great sandwich, which work hand-in-hand to make one great-tasting dish.”
Although the origins of National Pickle Day cannot be traced, it was first celebrated in Ben’s hometown of New York City in 2001. The name “pickle” comes from the Dutch word pekel, meaning “to brine,” but the pickle itself can be traced back to 2030 B.C. At that time, cucumbers were preserved in vinegar before being exported from India to the Tigris Valley, where they were then eaten.
Many historical figures found a variety of benefits to consuming pickles; such as Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte. The Queen of the Nile subsisted on a full diet of pickles, which she believed attributed to her good looks, while the other leaders fed pickles to their troops, believing it would provide the strength they needed to go into battle.
Pickles became popular in the United States when the first Jewish immigrants came to New York from Eastern Europe. Jewish delis in the city used the pickle as a palate cleanser that would prep their taste buds to savor the unique combinations of meat. The pickle’s acidity allows for people to enjoy a sharp difference in flavor and therefore brings a deeper appreciation of the taste of the sandwich.
The best ingredients are used at Ben’s for its pickling and fermenting process. “Our pickles are graded to ensure that the sizing is consistent,” adds Mr. Dragoon. “The sour pickles are true sours, which means they have been pickling and fermenting for many months, unlike quick-cure or pasteurized pickles, which lack the true and authentic taste of pickles from the ‘Old Country.’”
Pickles are also considered to be a healthy snack; they are low in calories and rich in Vitamin K. “We have had guests come to the deli counter and place an order just for pickles, especially pregnant women,” Mr. Dragoon said. “However, some people just love to snack on a pickle; they have no sugar and very few calories.”
For more information about National Pickle Day, Ben’s homemade pickles, or Ben’s Kosher Deli visitwww.bensdeli.net.
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About Ben’s Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers
Ben’s is a family-owned and operated delicatessen/restaurant company that has been serving up the finest authentic New York Kosher delicatessen products and eastern European comfort foods for more than 43years. All of Ben’s sandwiches, soups and dinners are freshly prepared. Ben’s has seven convenient locations: three on Long Island in Carle Place, Greenvale and Woodbury, and one each in Midtown Manhattan; Bayside, Queens; Scarsdale in Westchester County; and Boca Raton, Florida with free delivery service available to many communities around the stores. For more information, visitwww.BensDeli.net or call Ben’s Catering Hotline at 1-800-344-BENS.
