By now, most have come across a pickle martini, pickle beer, or my favorite, a spiked pickle lemonade (recipe below!) – that unexpectedly delightful, tangy, and surprisingly refreshing drink that captures the essence of warm weather enjoyment. But what if you could keep that summer feeling, and that unique flavor, alive on your counter all year long? It turns out, you can, and it involves a fascinating blend of ancient wisdom, intentional living, and brilliant design.
The sculptural design of KEEP reframes preservation as a countertop ritual.
The idea of living without constant refrigeration might seem radical in our modern world, but it’s a concept rooted in ingenious historical practices. Cultures worldwide have long relied on methods like salting, smoking, and fermentation to preserve food, transforming perishable ingredients into lasting delights. These techniques aren’t just about survival; they’re about maximizing flavor, creating complex profiles, and fostering a deeper connection to our food. This brings us to a design solution that embodies these principles and invites them into your daily routine.
KEEP, a striking fermentation vessel designed by LAYER design studio in collaboration with Orrefors, elevates preservation to countertop art. Unveiled at Milan’s concept boutique 10 Corso Como, KEEP reimagines food preservation as a captivating countertop ritual. Crafted from elegant, mouth-blown glass with leather accents, KEEP creates an airtight, self-regulating environment that’s perfect for fermenting vegetables, fruits, and more. It’s a testament to sustainable living – no electricity, no waste, just the quiet magic of nature at work.
Benjamin Hubert, founder and CEO of LAYER, and a judge for the 2025 Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards, pushes functionality, logic, impact, and beauty to his studio’s designs. KEEP excels on every front. Its minimalist elegance is a nod to ancient forms, yet it offers a forward-thinking vision for resource-conscious food storage. Far from being relegated to a pantry or a hidden corner, KEEP is designed to be displayed. It invites you to witness the fascinating process of fermentation unfold, turning a practical task into an aesthetic pleasure and an ongoing conversation piece in your kitchen.
With KEEP on your counter, you can continuously ferment lemons and cucumbers, ensuring you always have a fresh batch of tangy, probiotic-rich ingredients at your fingertips. It’s about embracing the vibrant, sometimes surprising, flavors that fermentation unlocks, making them a consistent part of your culinary repertoire. KEEP reminds us that good design transcends mere utility. It elevates essential practices into daily rituals, inviting us to slow down, engage with our food, and savor delicious moments year-round. It’s about keeping that pickle lemonade summer vibe alive, one beautifully fermented batch at a time.
Now, here’s a refreshing Pickle + Preserved Lemon • ade Cocktail recipe, a perfect blend of sour and savory:
Photo: TJ Girard
Pickle + Preserved Lemon • ade Cocktail
Makes 1
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila blanco
– 1-1/2 oz preserved lemon juice (and mashed rind)
– 1/2 oz dill pickle brine
– 1/2 oz agave or simple syrup (to taste)
– 1 oz sparkling water
– Ice
– Garnish: pickle spear, dill flower, or preserved lemon slice
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients (minus the sparkling water) in a shaker with ice.
– Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
– Top with sparkling water, garnish, and serve.
Enjoy!
KEEP photography courtesy of LAYER.
