A Burst of Flavour in Every Bottle: Miami’s Pickled Onions
Miami Canners knows how tantalising and tasty a crunchy pickled treat can be. Whether you’re incorporating them into your favourite dishes or enjoying them as a little treat, there’s nothing quite like that sweet-and-sour crunch to delight your heart. If you’re looking to move past the time-tested dill pickle for some other delectable taste options, why not try the humble pickled onion? You and your tastebuds will be glad you did!
The History of Pickled Onions
Mankind has been using pickling techniques to preserve fresh foods (and the critical minerals and vitamins they contain) for thousands of years. Before reliable refrigeration, it was the only way to keep a consistent flow of fresh produce in your diet when out of the growing season. Plus, as we now know, the act of pickling itself brings a ton of additional benefits to the table- think better digestion and healthier stomach flora, for example.
With a strong flavour and firm texture, onions are near-perfect for pickling. While you can technically pickle any onion you’d like, the classic pickled onion is a small one, which can be submerged in the brining solution whole without the need to cut them open. Combined with salt, spices, and vinegar, a deliciously tangy taste results.
Iconic Pub Grub
From the early days of pickling anything you could to ensure full bellies through winter, we see the humble pickled onion develop into a staple of British cuisine, especially for their strong pub culture. Typically, they’re served with smokey meats and cheeses to provide the perfect piquant accompaniment needed to clean the palate and reset your taste buds. If you’ve never tried adding pickled onions to your cheeseboard or charcuterie, we highly recommend giving it a try- your guests will thank you!
As this crunchy little snack took off, different variations of pickled onions emerged, with regional variations in flavours and preparation methods. Today you’ll find everything from classic tangy to spicy, chilli-infused, and sweet-and-mild options. Their popularity also spread to North America, where they remain a fantastic way to pep up salads, sandwiches, and relish trays. Keen to try some yourself? Here’s some delicious options:
- Add pickled onions as a zesty topping for sandwiches, burgers, and similar dishes. They’re great with grilled meats, cheeses, and other condiments
- Toss a few pickled onions into your green salads, pasta salads, or rice/grain bowls for an extra zing. They add a tangy and crunchy element perfect to balance the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle pickled onions on tacos, fajitas, or wraps to give them a tangy kick. They work well with various proteins, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian options like black beans or roasted vegetables. You can even try them as a pizza topper!
- Arrange pickled onions alongside cured meats, cheeses, and olives on a charcuterie board. They provide a vibrant and tangy contrast to the rich flavours around them.
- Incorporate chopped pickled onions into tuna or chicken salad for an added flavour boost and zesty bite
Whether enjoyed on their own as a tangy snack or used to add a burst of flavour to a meal, pickled onions are a beloved and versatile culinary delight with a rich history. Do you have a favourite way to use your Miami pickled onions? Be sure to let us know!