It makes sense. Once the push for locally grown seasonal food took hold, the next logical step would be finding a way to preserve all those seasonal ingredients. Enter…pickling. Pickling—which involves preserving, marinating, and storing food in an acid base, usually vinegar—imparts a distinct sour taste to food. The trendy technique has become so pervasive it’s hard to find a local menu that doesn’t list at least one pickled item. City, O City offers an ever-changing pickle plate. Punch Bowl Social promotes its pickled eggs. Amerigo Delicatus Restaurant & Market lists house-pickled vegetables among its antipasto line-up.

Consumer food companies are also jumping into the fray. Esoteric Food Company in Boulder, through its line of Zuké Pickled Things, offers one of the most creative line-ups I’ve seen: the zingy-hot Citrus and Ginger; sauerkraut-like Dill, Caraway, and Cabbage; lively Kimchi; and the aromatic Just Juniper.

My all-around favorite—thanks to its deep ruby color and earthy taste—is the Beets, Dulse, and Kale (pictured). This combination of super-healthy kale, tangy seaweed, and luxurious beets is best piled atop a tuna sandwich or added to a bowl of bibimbap.

Look for Zuké products at Whole Foods and other specialty markets, or order directly from the company.

THIS STORY WAS PART OF 5280’s 20 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!

Additional comments do not enter you into the giveaway, which ended March 26, 2013.