Kyoto's Exquisite Pickles

'Exquisite' is not an adjective you would normally use for pickles -- those often too tart, or salty tasting side dishes. But at Nishiri, there's a pickle so good you'd understand why they were a staple at the Kyoto Imperial Palace 150 years ago. Called Senmai-zuke, or "pickle of a thousand slices," it is made from Shogoin turnips (of the Shogoin district in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto) which are sliced so finely before being marinated, resulting in a delicate pickle with refined sweetness. It is, without a doubt, the finest pickle I've ever had. Nishiri also sells a most unusual pickle -- pickled apples -- which has a surprisingly refreshing taste, perfect for topping on ice cream or yoghurt. Adding pickles to your meal boosts the health profile of your breakfast, lunch or dinner. They really shouldn't be relegated to the side as they are high in fiber, vitamins, and good bacteria, and pretty low on calories. Nishiri has an in-store dining space where you can enjoy pickle sets with rice.