When food is pickled for human consumption, water is removed from the food. What method is used to achieve?

Question

this dehydrating effect?

Answer 1

The brine contains salt in higher concentration than the food being pickled. This draws water into the brine to move toward equalibrium. If sugar is present (like in sweet pickle chip brine) it will also draw out water.

You can relate this to making beef jerky. You use dry salt, and sometimes a kind of sugar, because it draws out the water from the food, which preserves it. Flavor is a secondary consideration.

Answer 2

Usually salt mixed with vinegar so that it covers the whole item.