God is a Pickle Iris Hempelmann,François-Luc Giraldeau

From Czech kitchens to global tables: preserving as a ritual of memory, resilience, and identity. God is a Pickle explores food preservation throughout the Czech Republic—one of the world’s most secular nations, where pickling has become a symbolic “faith.” With 100+ recipes for pickles and preserves, plus seasonal dishes that use them, it shows how a local tradition reflects a universal need for resilience, seasonality, and ritual. Blending stories, history, and photography, the book offers practical inspiration for the kitchen and a reflection on how simple, time-honored practices continue to shape identity everywhere. About the Author Sárka Otevřel Camrdová and Marek Bartos are a Czech creative duo exploring the intersection of food, culture, and identity. Sárka, a Prague-born food writer now based in New York, brings over a decade of experience in culinary publishing, including contributions to Elle and the TV show Herbarium.Marek, a Prague-based photographer and founder of Snack & Friends, collaborates with leading chefs and publishers to craft visually compelling narratives around food culture. Together, they document the stories, traditions, and quiet rituals that preserve both flavor and memory.