July is national pickle month, but why limit your love for this crunchy treat to just one month? From savory sandwiches to delicious on-the-go wraps, many of our favorite meals wouldn't be the same without a tangy pickle spear. Celebrate this versatile, crunchable kitchen go-to by learning all about it! Just read on and dig in.

Pickles By The Numbers

According to data compiled by CNN via the Department of Agriculture, the average American enjoys 8.5 pounds of pickles per year (of course, with Peach Valley’s sandwiches and the delicious dishes listed below, it’s easy to exceed that figure!).

How Pickles Played A Role In American History

As you can see, America loves its fair share of pickles — but did you know that this passion for pickles predates the country itself? Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer for whom the United States is named, was actually a merchant whose wares included pickles. According to San Francisco’s Exploratorium, he stocked Christopher Columbus’ Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria — the ships that traveled to the New World in 1492 — with pickles, whose vitamin C-rich juice would help prevent scurvy in the sailors on board. Per History, Columbus even grew extra cucumbers for pickling in Haiti during a pit-stop — that’s how important (and, apparently, delicious!) the food was for the early explorers.

Delicious Ways To Enjoy Pickles At Home

You can count on a pickle spear spicing up your sandwich or wrap here at Peach Valley — but there are also countless ways to enjoy this flavorful fridge staple at your next dinner at home or backyard picnic! Here are some fun ways to incorporate pickles into your next meal…

• Swap a traditional pulled pork sandwich for a deconstructed kebab. On a skewer, assemble a chunk of pulled pork, sweet sandwich bread, and several mini pickle slices for a delicious, mess-free snack.
• If you’re craving a crunchy, salty snack, air-fried pickles are a fantastic way to jump right into the air-frying trend!
• Pickle juice’s sweet, familiar flavor makes it a great option for brining your chicken before frying.

What’s your favorite dish to pair with pickles? From the classic BBQ fare to totally oddball combinations, we love them all! Swing by and dig in at Peach Valley Port Orange soon.