{ culinarycreations }
Gerth family
Pickles
preserving the connection of generations and cultures from our past into our present
Story by Grim Gilbreath photos by felicia frazar and courtesy of Mary Jane Gerth
M
ary Jane Gerth isn’t your everyday, ordinary grandmother. Since 1962, she has canned, sold and donated her family’s famous pickles for many to enjoy in Guadalupe County. These little briny beauties have a long history in Gerth’s family, a tradition passed on to her by her mother in-law, the late Evelyn “Oma” Gerth. Shortly after her nuptials, Mary Jane and her mother-in-law not only found a way to bond, but also discovered they had quite the talent for making these salty snacks. Compliments rolled in from friends and family, spark36 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
ing a growing demand and a source of income. It’s hard to find a person in the area who hasn’t heard of the Gerth family pickles, let alone someone who hasn’t made it a summer tradition of obtaining a jar for themselves. Not only have Gerth’s world-class pickles tantalized the community’s taste buds, but they have taken the spotlight at many fairgrounds and competitions, pulling in more than a few tri-colored ribbons and top prizes. Mary Jane’s unique process starts with procuring copious quality cucumbers, then carefully categorizing them; smaller ones going into the dills, and the
