There is nothing more satisfying than an impromptu pickle snack. Whether it’s midnight or 3 pm, you can always count on pickles to provide a sour crunch and a refreshing flavor. While munching on a pickle (or three), you may be wondering if this scrumptious snack is good for you.
If you are a pickle lover (and we sure are) you know that pickles are beautifully versatile. They can be a midday snack, a side dish, or the key ingredient of a sandwich or burger.
Let’s dive into just how healthy pickles are.
Fermented Deliciousness: Pickles
If you have ever browsed through the grocery store aisle you know that not all pickles are created equal in terms of taste, but the same goes for nutrition!
The nutritional value of pickles depends on how they are preserved. Fermented pickles are superior in terms of nutritional value.
Pickles can be fermented with just a salt and water brine, or they can be lightly-fermented by submerging them in a raw vinegar with live probiotics that will continue fermenting after packaging. In both of these cases, a lactic acid fermentation happens when good bacteria break down the sugars in pickles. During this process, lactic acid is formed and the bacteria start to rid the cucumbers of their sugar. This wonderful process of fermentation eventually provides us with the beloved pickle.
Health Benefits Of Fermented Pickles
So what is the nutritional value of a pickle?
One pickle spear has about four calories, a low carbohydrate percentage, and very little sugar content. Due to this, pickles are a super “keto-friendly” food!
Since pickles are a fermented food they are a great source of probiotics. Probiotics help maintain our gut microbiome by keeping the bad bacteria in check. Too much bad bacteria can impair your body’s functions, like your ability to absorb nutrients, store fats, and regulate blood sugar.
Bonus: Pickles are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorus, and folate.
At Cleveland kitchen, our pickles are fresh-packed and lightly fermented to help you support your gut health AND enjoy the freshest, crunchiest pickles around.
What About the Pickle Juice?
There is no shame in admitting to the desire to drink pickle juice (maybe you drink pickle juice regularly!). So, is pickle juice good for you?
The nutritional values of pickle juice are similar to a regular pickle. So, naturally, the health advantages of a pickle can be found in the juice too - probiotic benefits and all!
Most notably, pickle juice has become a popular drink among athletes because it has high levels of sodium. When an athlete sweats while exercising, they lose electrolytes. The sodium in pickle juice forms electrolytes. As a result, pickle juice can act as a “sports drink” for athletes who want to replenish electrolytes.
How Long Are Pickles Good For After Opening?
Once its pickling process is over, unpasteurized pickles must be refrigerated. Shelf-stable pickles have undergone a heating process that makes them safe to be stored for long periods, but this process also kills the good bacteria. Open containers of pickles must be refrigerated, and fresh-packed pickles are good for 1-3 months after opening. Of course, always check the best-buy date for specific guidance.
At Cleveland Kitchen, we recommend checking out the label to make sure you are able to enjoy our pickles while they are fresh.
Recipes With Pickles
We recommend incorporating pickles into your everyday meals for an extra crunch.
Dilly Garlic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Nothing is better than a scrumptious grilled cheese in the morning. Not only does the crunch of toasted bread sound like absolute bliss, but the sandwich’s gooey cheddar cheese brings a sense of euphoria to the taste buds.
To make the grilled cheese even better, you should put our Dilly Garlic Pickle Chips into it (you won't find any added sugars or preservatives here!)
A touch of turmeric is added to keep these dill pickle chips crisp and fresh in a natural way. With additional help from fermented vinegar, these triumphant chips bring powerful garlic and dill flavors into the grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 slices Sourdough bread
- 1 oz. Dilly Garlic Pickle Chips, drained
- 2-4 slices, sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsps. salted butter, softened
How To
- Preheat the pan over medium-low heat.
- Spread a thin layer of butter over each bread’s top. Flip to the unbuttered side and add a layer of cheese.
- Arrange pickles on top of the cheese, then add the remaining layer of cheese. Top with the other slice of bread and place on a heated pan.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, turning to toast on both sides.
- Transfer to a plate and enjoy!
Savor The Deliciousness of Pickles
At Cleveland Kitchen, we are pickle lovers! We set out to create a line of pickles that are not only delicious but good for you too.
We developed 4 flavors so you will never get bored: Dilly Garlic Spears, Dilly Garlic Chips, Bread & Butta Chips, and King Kosher Whole Pickles.
Also, don’t forget to visit our website for more pickle recipes and to learn about Cleveland Kitchen’s mission to create world-class culinary fermented foods for all.