At the ever-popular International Pickle Day, you can join the long line for a free baggie of ex-cucumbers, but be sure to sample the less familiar flavors, too. Just about anything can be preserved in brine, and here you'll find the proof.
This year the queue at the Korean tent, for kimchee and bean sprouts, was nearly as long as the line for half-sours. Turnips from Sahadi's, mangos from Kalustyan's, smoked okra (and much more) from Rick's Pick's, and scallions from China Food Imports also put in appearances.
The sweet stuff was especially tantalizing. In addition to apples from Café Katja and watermelon rind from The Grey Mouse Farm, the New York Food Museum (a co-sponsor of the event) set out mason jars of pickled grapes.
This street festival gets very crowded, and not just because of the freebies. Vendors do bang-up business, and by mid-afternoon, some of the more popular products are not to be had, even for ready money. If you're earnest about pickles, arrive early.
International Pickle Day
Orchard St. (Broome-Grand Sts.)
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