More about pickling
<p >Pickling is a <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-food-preservation.htm" >food preservation</a> method that extends the life of a particular food through the process of marinating it in some form of <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-brine.htm" >brine</a>. The method uses the concept of creating lactic acid in a controlled environment with bacteria. This results in the food being preserved by anaerobic fermentation. Usually, the idea of pickling uses a saltwater bath mixed with <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-vinegar.htm" >vinegar</a>and oil. The resulting product has a salty and sour taste that many people enjoy.
The process of pickling utilizes the stable creation and manipulation of bacteria in order to create a finished product. A brine is created using salt, water, and an acid. This is then heated, often with other spices such as <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-mustard.htm" >mustard</a> or <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-garlic.htm" >garlic</a> to add additional flavor and help prevent unwanted bacteria from developing. The vegetable or food to be preserved is placed inside a jar or vat and the heated brine is introduced. After a seal is placed on the jar or vat, the pickles can be preserved for a period of time which varies depending on the product.
A variant on the concept can be seen in dishes such as <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-kimchi.htm" >kimchi</a> and <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sauerkraut.htm" >sauerkraut</a>. Instead of a brine, this method simply draws the water out of the product itself using dry salt. The <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cabbage.htm" >cabbage</a>used in both dishes is kept at room temperature for a desired period of time to allow for sufficient fermentation and the creation of moisture. Both can then be stored in jars or other mediums.</p>