Baladna Sour Pickled Cucumbers… A Staple Side Dish on Every Table

Sour Pickled Cucumbers… A Colorful Appetizer for Every Meal

Between the meal and the bite… there’s room for the beloved acidity

This type of pickle may not seem like a primary ingredient in a dish, but it often makes all the difference in flavor. This small side element brings balance to the taste, turning a heavy bite into a more enjoyable one. At home, in restaurants, or during outings, it accompanies our meals without overpowering, leaving a lasting impression that can’t be ignored by the palate.

Cucumbers and Pickling… A Longstanding Relationship

Cucumbers are one of the most suitable vegetables for pickling due to their high water content, thin skin, and balanced flavor. Historically, they were used during the summer months as a way to preserve them for the rest of the year. They are considered one of the oldest pickled foods in various cultures, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe and Asia. Typically, small, firm cucumbers are chosen, washed thoroughly, and then soaked in a brine solution containing water, salt, garlic, and sometimes vinegar and herbs. After a few days, their flavor begins to transform, turning into the delicious taste that combines saltiness and acidity with crunchiness.

Baladna Sour Pickled Cucumbers… From the Field Directly to the Jar

At Baladna, pickling is not just a traditional preservation process but a carefully planned series of steps. The cucumbers are handpicked fresh from the new season, directly from the field, and immediately washed, cut, and pickled without long periods of storage or waiting in barrels. The cucumbers are picked at their peak ripeness and quickly transferred to the preparation facilities, where they are cleaned, washed, and pickled under strict hygiene conditions. This method ensures the freshness, natural yellowish color, firm texture, and crispness of the cucumber, along with a balanced flavor that isn’t overwhelmed by salt or acidity, where the saltiness matches the acidity perfectly. The result is a fresh product with a homey feel, ready to be part of any meal, providing an authentic pickling experience that mirrors the taste we know from our traditional kitchens, as prepared by our grandmothers.

Nutritional Value of Baladna Sour Pickled Cucumbers

Despite its simplicity, this type of pickle offers important nutritional elements. It is low in calories, retaining some of the vitamins found in fresh cucumbers, such as vitamin C, and antioxidants. It also contains beneficial bacteria (if naturally fermented and not just pickled with vinegar). However, its high sodium content makes it a component to consume in moderation, especially for those on a low-sodium diet.

In Daily Use

It is widely used in a variety of everyday dishes, from sandwiches of all kinds, especially falafel, shawarma, and burgers, to rice and meat dishes, and even in some types of Eastern salads, most notably alongside the dish of Mujaddara. It is always served as an appetizer on the table, especially at lunch and dinner. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor it provides make it one of the most popular types of pickles, both locally and globally, and it is often the first item consumed on the table before the actual meal begins.

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