Pickling
/ˈpɪk.lɪŋ/noun
The process of preserving food in vinegar, brine, or another acidic solution.
Did you know?The word’s history links pickling with medieval ideas of sharpness and spice, while the preservation method itself was used across ancient civilizations long before refrigeration.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*pik-
“A pointed or sharp thing; a proposed ancient source connected with the later sense of pungency”
Middle Dutch
Middle Dutch
pekel
“Brine or salt liquor used to preserve food”
13th Century
Old North French
pekel / piquel
“A sharp or spicy sauce”
14th Century
Middle English
pikel
“A spicy sauce or seasoned preserving liquid”
16th Century
English
pickle
“Brine or vinegar used to preserve food; later, a preserved food itself”
Modern English
English
pickling
“The act or process of preserving food in brine, vinegar, or acid”