Pickle Anything Workshop - Brine Science and the Secrets of Aromatics in Quick Pickles

Join us at the East Lions Community Centre to get hands-on experience into the world of brining and pickling! This hands-on session is all about delicious ways to keep your favorite vegetables safe, crisp, and delicious for even longer. We’ll explore the history of pickling, the power of aromatics, and the flexibility of pickling any vegetable you love.

Date: July 15, 2026

Time: Kitchen doors open at 6:15 PM, workshop begins at 6:30 PM

Location: East Lions Community Centre, 1731 Churchill Ave, London, ON N5W 5P4

What You’ll Experience:

• Meet Your Community & Connect: We’ll start with a quick icebreaker so you can meet the people at your station and get settled in.
• Pickle History & Aromatics: We’ll walk through how to prepare and safely chop vegetables at home. We’ll discuss the history and health benefits of preserved pickled vegetables. You’ll learn how to create an easy, multipurpose brine as well as the effects of various aromatics and their effects on flavour, smell, and shelf life.
• Hands-on Pickling: Working in groups, you’ll head to your stations to cut and pickle your vegetables. We’ll guide you through proper jarring techniques and the proper size for pickled vegetables.
• Wrap-Up & Community Care: Everyone will leave with their own 250mL mason jar of custom pickled vegetables to enjoy at home. We’ll share storage tips (remember, this one stays in the fridge!) before pitching in to get the stations and the kitchen cleaned up.

A Welcoming Space for Everyone:

At Grow Cook Learn, we believe that healthy eating looks different for everyone. This is a judgment-free space where all bodies, backgrounds, and skill levels are celebrated. We focus on food neutrality and the joy of building skills as a community.

Families & Children:

Kids are absolutely welcome! Please keep in mind that the workshop involves working with hot liquids and electric hotpots. We expect all participants to follow safe handling practices as we share tools and space. We are happy to make accommodations—please let us know if you require any specific arrangements when you register.

What to Bring:

• Your enthusiasm and curiosity!
• Closed-toe kitchen appropriate shoes and attire.
• A hair tie or clip to secure long hair during preparation.
• A personal lock if you would like to use the on-site lockers for your phone or wallet.

Note: All ingredients, 250mL jars, and tools are provided. For kitchen safety, coats and large bags will be kept in the designated area just outside of the room.

Accessibility & Parking:

The East Lions Community Centre is a fully accessible facility. There is ample free parking available onsite. The community kitchen features accessible entrances and bathrooms, as well as adjustable-height tables. While the main counter tops are standard height, the kitchen includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible section with a sink and counter top to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

About East Lions Community Centre:

The East Lions Community Centre is a vibrant hub for the Argyle community and beyond. This modern facility offers a wide range of programming, including a full-sized pool, gymnasiums, and specialized rooms for art and weaving classes. The centre features a professional community kitchen space designed for collaborative learning and nutrition education. Outdoors, the facility is surrounded by a large park featuring accessible playgrounds, basketball courts, and space for soccer. Whether you are looking for yoga, Pilates, or a place to connect with neighbours, East Lions serves as a cornerstone for recreation and wellness in London. We are excited to be borrowing their kitchen space for our workshop. Learn more at East Lions Community Centre.

About Grow Cook Learn:

The London Community Resource Centre (LCRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through food education and security. Grow Cook Learn is one of LCRC’s core programs, offering hands-on workshops that promote nutrition literacy, foster community connections, and build confidence in the kitchen.

Disclaimers:

• Ingredient Selection: Vegetable availability (fresh vs. frozen) may vary based on budget and seasonal supply.
• Allergen Note: All ingredients provided are vegan. This workshop involves mustard. If you have specific allergies, please inform us during registration.
• Group Work: Due to limited access to electrical plug-ins and equipment, you will gather into groups to prepare vegetables for pickling recipes. Each household or participant will be welcomed to take home a 250mL jar of pickles.
• Attendance Policy: To ensure a quality experience, please plan to attend the entire session. Arriving late means missing vital safety information regarding hot plate use and food sanitation, leaving early may result in incomplete recipes.