The 2017 winner of the Picklefest was Ronald Sasiela, who made white cucumber pickles called “Ron’s Pickle Jarboree.” (photo courtesy of city of Beverly Hills)

As it celebrates 25 years, the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market is spicing things up with the 7th annual PickleFest competition on Aug. 4. Pickled items must be made with a fruit or vegetable that’s been grown in California, and they will be judged on color, taste, appearance, originality and texture. No professional chefs or restaurant entries will be accepted. The two categories are “Best Dill Pickle in Beverly Hills” for whole pickles, and “I Can Pickle That!” for any pickled vegetable or fruit grown in California. The event is sponsored by Nate ‘n Al’s Delicatessen, which will award $200, $100 and $50 gift cards for the first, second and third place contest winners. PickleFest judges will include Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch, 2018 dill pickle contest winner Bryan Chabrow, Nate ‘n Al’s Delicatessen proprietor Michael Rotolo, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Susan Mishler and Next Beverly Hills Membership Chair David All. The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market is at the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive.