Pickling is all about preserving the bounty of summer produce to enjoy all winter.
The difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated pickles is how they’re processed.
The cucumbers have essentially been cooked, which darkens their color and can soften their texture.
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This method extends cucumbers' shelf life significantly.
Refrigerated pickles, on the other hand, have not had the hot-water treatment.
They’re preserved in a salty, sweet, vinegary brine that keeps bacteria out.
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I included a selection of both shelf-stable and refrigerated pickles from different brands.
Here’s how these seven popular pickles ranked in my test, in descending order.
They’re colored with yellow dye No.
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5 and come in a shelf-stable jar.
The look:These ridged pickle rounds are thick-cut and have a yellowish-green tint.
The cucumber skin is darker and pocked with natural spots.
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A fair amount of mustard seed is also floating in the clear green pickle brine.
The taste:These chips were, unfortunately, quite soggy and mushy rather than crispy or crunchy.
The center was especially soft, and getting past this disappointing texture was hard.
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The thicker slice is also too large for a burger or a sandwich.
These pickles are colored with turmeric rather than artificial dyes.
The look:These pickles have a slightly yellow tinge in the corner.
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They’re fairly thick-cut with deep ridges.
The clear brine contains no visible flavoring agents, such as mustard seed or garlic.
Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices
Claussen’s kosher dill slicesare designed for maximum coverage in a sandwich.
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They’re sold in the refrigerator section and are pickled with turmeric, garlic, and red pepper.
The look:These pickles are sliced into long, thin planks with those familiar ridges.
The pickles have an attractive pale green color.
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The taste:These pickles are for salt lovers.
Each container is bursting with pickles and juice (beware of a splash when you initiate the lid).
The grape leaves help cucumbers stay crisp.
The taste:These pickles are garlicky!
They’re heavy on flavoring additions, including dill, and have an excellent snappy crunch.
The whole cucumbers are picked with sliced red and green chilis.
The taste:Unless you sample a pepper on its own, these pickles aren’t overwhelmingly hot.
Are Pickles Good for You?
The cukes are bumpy and hairy, but that’s all part of their charm.
The taste:These tiny cukes are wonderfully snappy and savory.
Instead, you get a nice amount of allium flavor from the garlic and onions.
The look:These pickles come in a tall plastic jar and must be refrigerated.
The bright green center and darker skin color are all-natural.
The taste:These pickles are deeply savory and happily not overwhelmingly salty.
They taste snappy and fresh, with a crisp texture that’s not overcooked.
I could easily snack on these as-is without developing an overwhelming thirst.
The subtle garlic flavor is an excellent addition that keeps the flavor nuanced and refined-tasting.
