That's not a bad looking pickle! Yup, fermentation and other actions of yeast and bacteria are the KEY to hot-climate food preservation.
And I think you are dead on the money about the traditional vs. modern vegetarianism being the reason behind the seeming effortlessness of it all.

Pastry crust details would be great; you should start a pastry and pie crust thread. The crust itself opens up a whole new avenue for THC infusion into recipes... think about it... for us traditionalists, a short-pastry pie crust with THC-infused LARD and applejack? Mmm! And for the Betty Crocker generation, Chocolate cream pie with a Mint Green Dragon oreo cookie crust?