home pickling

Home pickling competition coming to Toronto

Are you confident in your pickling skills and ready to put your talents on display? 

If you are, you'll be pleased to hear that Picklefest has announced its home pickling contest, appropriately titled "Show Me Your Pickle." 

The flavourful competition is sure to be a spicy one, with top picklers from across the country coming together to showcase their fermentation and pickling skills. 

The contest categories include Best Sour Pickle, Best Dill Pickle, Best Spicy Pickle, Most Creative Lacto-fermented Pickle, Most Creative Vinegar Pickle, Best Kosher Pickle, and Best in Show. 

Winners will receive a complete fermentation kit from Masontops, with category winners earning $250 each, and the Best in Show winner taking home a grand prize of $1,000. 

The competition's five-judge panel will be comprised of Chef Sang Kim (writer, TV host), Michael Bacher (co-founder of Masontops), Cait Bermuhler (Chief Pickle Officer, Stoke Deli Bar), Kate Rootman (the creative force behind the pickle contest) and our own Emily O'Hara from blogTO and Dished Toronto.

The contest is open to all amateur picklers (yes, you!) and all pickles must be homemade. There's a $30 registration fee per category and a maximum of two categories per entrant, with the fee including a one-day ticket to Picklefest. 

All jars must be clearly marked with the entrant's name, email, and phone number, and delivered to Henderson Brewing Co. (128A Sterling Rd.) by Sept. 15. 

Pickles will be judged by their flavour, texture, appearance, and creativity (for the creative categories). 

Along with the home pickling competition, Picklefest is set to feature a variety of attractions, with over 55 vendors serving up an eclectic mix of pickled foods and fermented drinks. 

Picklefest takes place at Henderson Brewing Co. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6. Tickets are now available for purchase online. 

Lead photo by

Picklefest


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