There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and uniquely Swedish about pickled food. Whether it’s tangy dill-pickled cucumbers, sweet pickled red onions, or the sharp bite of pickled herring, these classic flavors are deeply rooted in Swedish culinary tradition.

At Swedishness, we celebrate this love for all things pickled by offering a range of delicious Scandinavian pickled products — perfect for smörgåsbord, festive spreads, or just to add that little extra zing to your everyday meal.

But did you know that you can easily create your own pickled treats at home with just a few simple ingredients? The secret lies in one powerful pantry essential: Perstorps Ättiksprit 24%.

The Surprising Benefits of Pickled Foods

Pickled foods have been a beloved part of global cuisines for centuries — and for good reason. Beyond their bold flavors and long shelf life, they offer a range of health and wellness benefits that make them more than just a tasty side dish.

Many pickled vegetables, especially those fermented naturally (like sauerkraut or kimchi), are rich in probiotics — beneficial bacteria that support gut health, improve digestion, and can even strengthen the immune system. While vinegar-based pickles don’t contain live cultures, they still offer plenty of perks. The acetic acid in vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels, support metabolic health, and enhance the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals from other foods.

Pickling also helps preserve the nutrients in fresh produce, particularly heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, which play important roles in immune support and bone health. Because pickled foods are typically low in calories and fat, they make a smart addition to many diets — especially when you're looking to add flavor without extra heaviness.

From a culinary perspective, pickled ingredients add balance and brightness to dishes. Their sour and salty profile helps cut through rich, creamy, or fatty meals, making them a perfect pairing with meats, cheeses, and sauces. In Swedish cuisine, this balance is central — just think of how pickled herring elevates a creamy potato salad, or how pickled red onion brings life to a humble open-faced sandwich.

Perhaps most importantly, pickling is a beautiful example of food tradition and sustainability. It’s a way to reduce food waste, make use of seasonal harvests, and connect with cultural heritage — whether you're following grandma’s old recipe or creating your own twist.

At Swedishness, we believe food should be flavorful, nourishing, and rooted in tradition. That’s why we celebrate the art of pickling — and invite everyone, regardless of where they’re from, to explore and enjoy this delicious part of Swedish food culture.

Why Swedes Love Pickled Food

Pickling has long been a way for Swedes to preserve vegetables and fish through the long winters. But today, it’s more than just a preservation technique – it’s an integral part of Swedish taste culture. The balance of sour, sweet, and salty flavors in pickled dishes pairs beautifully with creamy sauces, meats, or even crispbread and cheese.

From pickled herring at Midsummer to a quick-pickled red onion topping for your korv med bröd, there’s always a reason to keep a jar of something pickled in your fridge.

Swedishness Pickle Recipie!

Want to try pickling at home? Here’s a basic Swedish pickling liquid recipe using Perstorps Ättiksprit 24%:

1-2-3 Pickling Brine (Lag):

- 1 part Perstorps Ättiksprit 24%

- 2 parts sugar

- 3 parts water

Just heat until the sugar dissolves, let it cool, and pour over your sliced cucumbers, red onions, carrots, or even cauliflower. Add herbs like dill, mustard seeds, or allspice for extra flavor.

Or Let Us Do the Pickling for You!

If you’re not into DIY, we’ve got you covered. Check out our handpicked selection of Swedish pickled delicacies at Swedishness – all made with authentic Scandinavian ingredients and tradition in mind.