eingelegt

Eingelegt is the past participle of das Verb einlegen and functions in German as an adjective meaning preserved by immersion in a liquid, usually a brine or vinegar-based solution. The term signals that the food has been treated to both preserve it and impart flavor. In English, eingelegt is commonly translated as pickled or preserved in brine.

In culinary use, foods described as eingelegt include vegetables and condiments such as Gurken (pickled cucumbers), Zwiebeln (pickled onions), Paprika, Pilze (mushrooms), and often small fish like Hering. The label indicates a preservation method rather than mere flavoring. Eingelegt contrasts with mariniert, where the emphasis is primarily on flavor infusion over a shorter time; eingelegt implies longer-term preservation through immersion in preserving liquids.

Preparation methods typically involve cleaning and sometimes blanching the produce, followed by immersion in a seasoned liquid. This liquid may be a salt brine, a vinegar-based solution, or a sugar-containing syrup, sometimes with spices, herbs, or aromatics. Depending on the recipe and storage requirements, products may be consumed after a period of marination or processed further (canning or refrigeration) to extend shelf life.

Linguistically, eingelegt is formed from prefix ein- and legen and can be used attributively (eingelegte Gurken) or predicatively (Die Gurken sind eingelegt). The term is widely used in German-speaking countries to describe preserved foods and is closely related to, but distinct from, simple marinades or freshly prepared pickles.