New program offers students the chance to relish the culinary arts
For decades, the students, alumni, faculty and staff of UNCSA have known the true merits of a craft that others may deem simple, unimportant or downright frivolous — the Art of the Pickle. As Pickles ourselves, we know better. And with that in mind, we are delighted to announce the addition of a new program to the world class line-up of course offerings at UNCSA: Craft Pickle-Making.
The program, aimed at elevating the status of the pickle from overlooked garnish to culinary art form, will become a major focus for all UNCSA artists.
Students will start by learning about the pickle-making process from start to finish, including how to choose the right cucumbers, spices and pickle-containing vessels. Intermediate studies will include pickling items other than cucumbers and advanced instruction will include slicing techniques and the ever-fickle fermentation process. Classes will take a deep dive into the craft of pickle-making and the influence of pickles in modern culture.
A sampling of the curriculum includes:
Can I Pickle That!?
An exploration of various pickling media with alternatives to the common cucumber. Students will experiment with pickling some relatively well known items—peppers, okra, artichokes, herring, eggs and watermelon rinds—and will finish the class with a thesis project in which they will be pickling a food item of their choosing. There will also be an international component that delves into pickled items from across the globe: lutefisk, sauerkraut, kimchi, tsukemono and more.
Pickles in Pop Culture
Students will examine everything from bad pickle puns to everyday idioms to pickle-named pets. They’ll research and analyze questions like: Why are pickle jokes such a big dill? Why do we say “they’re in a pickle” when someone’s in a difficult situation? Who is Pickle the Pig? Final projects will ask students to reimagine the classic tongue-twister “Peter Piper” as a song, one-act play, short film, artwork or interpretive dance.
Pickle As Influencer
In this class, students will take a serious look at how the pickle is making waves as a bold and daring flavor choice. Where pickles were once relegated to the realms of charcuterie boards and sandwich accompaniments, in recent years, the pickle flavor has taken center stage. Fried pickles frequently show up on appetizer menus, dill pickle is an increasingly common potato chip option and fast food restaurants are making slushies that taste like the salty delicacy. How has the pickle become such a disrupter? For this class, students will create a pickle-themed social media profile with the challenge of getting 100 followers.
Other courses in development include:
- Bread & Butter: How to turn your pickle passion into a thriving career
- Creative Containers: Mason jar masonry and pottery skills
- Slices, Spears and Salad Cubes: Cutting techniques for pickles (includes the use of power tools)
In order to allow students to narrowly focus their work on varieties of pickles they’re most passionate about, they will be encouraged to declare a concentration in salty or sweet gherkins.
This program will ensure that pickling is integrated into the living and learning
environment on campus year-round. A Pickle Garden will be cultivated near the Elephants, where students can experiment with cucumber varieties and gain perspective on the
entire pickling process, from ground to gherkin. With a focus on sustainable, organic
agriculture, the garden will ensure that only the finest ingredients go into UNCSA
craft pickles.
A pickle-focused pop-up concession stand, The Petite Pickle Jar, will allow students to sell their wares during school performances at the Stevens Center, Performance Place and in campus dining locations like the stand’s namesake, The Pickle Jar, where pickles have already been heavily incorporated into the menu.
And, according to school officials, this is just the start of the Craft Pickle craze at UNCSA. If all goes well, there is talk of growing the program to include a Certificate in Pickle Making and an M.P.A. (Masters in Pickle Arts) degree. We relish the thought of such an opportunity! Stay tuned.
April 1, 2022 (April Fools' Day)