What is the significance of the pickle ornament?
In the tradition, an ornamental pickle is placed on a Christmas tree as one of the Christmas decorations. On Christmas morning, the first person to find the pickle on the tree would receive an extra present from Santa Claus or would be said to have a year of good fortune.
What country hides a pickle in their Christmas tree?
Germany
Here’s one version of the “pickle legend” from a website that sells ornaments: “A very old Christmas eve [sic] tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle [ornament] deep in the branches of the family Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place.
Are gherkins pickled cucumbers?
A gherkin is a small variety of a cucumber that’s been pickled. It’s a little cucumber that’s been pickled in a brine, vinegar, or other solution and left to ferment for a period of time.
Are pickles German?
Pickles have been around for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2030 BC when cucumbers from their native India were pickled in the Tigris Valley. The word “pickle” comes from the Dutch pekel or northern German pókel, meaning “salt” or “brine,” two very important components in the pickling process.
What are those glass ornaments called?
baubles
Glass ball ornaments are a classic Christmas tree tradition. Many people, including myself, still decorate their trees with these beautiful ornaments, also called baubles.
Are gherkins German?
The word gherkin comes from early modern Dutch, gurken or augurken for “small pickled cucumber”. Cornichons are tart French pickles made from gherkins pickled in vinegar and tarragon. They traditionally accompany pâtés and cold cuts. Sweet gherkins, which contain sugar in the pickling brine, are also a popular variety.
Are gherkins just baby cucumbers?
Can you eat raw gherkins?
Gherkins are often pickled with salt and vinegar for winter storage, but can also be eaten raw in a salad. Their tough warty skins means they may have to be peeled first if eating fresh.