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Real Pickles

Northeast Grown, 100% organic, fermented & raw pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, kvass, and hot sauce

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Home / Fermentation / Fermentation Process

Fermentation Process

We use lactic acid fermentation to make our Real Pickles products (also known as lacto-fermentation or natural fermentation). It is the original pickling method and has been an essential part of healthy human diets throughout the world for thousands of years. In Asia, consumption of fermented pickles dates back at least to the 3rd Century B.C.E., when the Great Wall of China was under construction. In Europe, sauerkraut is known to have been an important food among the ancient Romans.

Today, Real Pickles is one of a growing number of businesses in the United States producing raw (unpasteurized) and fermented pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other vegetables. This traditional pickling process went out of favor with the advent of industrial food production. Modern pickling methods, including use of vinegar (usually in place of fermentation) and pasteurization, produce a uniform, shelf stable product suitable to the needs of the large food corporations. Unfortunately, modern pickles do not offer the authentic flavor or the probiotic and health-promoting qualities of traditional pickles.

How it works

Many studies show that including raw fermented foods in our diet can improve health from gut to brain.
Read more about Health Benefits

Lactic acid fermentation relies on beneficial cultures – similar to those used to make yogurt or sourdough bread – to break down natural sugars in the vegetables and produce a variety of healthful substances, primarily lactic acid.

The process begins with fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables, naturally bearing lactic acid cultures on their surfaces (making starter cultures or inoculants unnecessary). The produce is washed, chopped or sliced as needed, and mixed with sea salt. The salt acts to draw out juices, preserve the vegetables while the fermentation gets started, and regulate the fermentation process itself. The mixture is packed into air-tight fermentation vessels (jars, crocks, or barrels) and placed in a warm spot (65-80 deg F).

Cucumbers undergo a relatively short fermentation, while cabbages may take several months to yield finished sauerkraut. During this time, cultures transform the fresh vegetables into pickles by converting sugars to lactic acid, acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and other beneficial substances. It is the lactic acid that is primarily responsible for preserving the vegetables, as well as creating the wonderful flavor and aroma of traditional pickles.

Length of fermentation depends on many factors, including temperature, moisture of the raw vegetable, amount of salt used, and thickness of the cut.  We taste every batch during fermentation to determine when it tastes just right!  Once finished, the ferments are stored under refrigeration to slow the fermentation, where they will remain preserved for two years or more.

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As part of our commitment to support a regional, o As part of our commitment to support a regional, organic food system, we purchase all of our vegetables and fresh herbs and spices from organic family farms in the Northeast. Check out Riverland Farms' fertile river bottom soil! This healthy soil yields some of the most beautiful certified organic produce ever fermented!

#regionalfoodsystems #organic #farmers #healthysoil 
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Repost @iloveriverlandfarm 
A lovely day for a plow 
#flipflip #fallbrassicas2022
Since 2001, Real Pickles has been producing 100% o Since 2001, Real Pickles has been producing 100% organic, naturally fermented, and raw plant-based food. Our vegetables are grown on Northeast farms that prioritize healthy, living soil – essential ingredients to support a robust fermentation. 
#PackedWithAMission #RealPickles #organic #fermented #raw #vegetables #northeastgrown 
📷@westernmaphoto @atlasfarm
Spring is in full bloom and we are enjoying the lo Spring is in full bloom and we are enjoying the longer days and blue skies, fragrant flowers and delicious fermented veggies! 
#fermentedandraw #packedwithamission #kraut #organic #ferments #realpickles
We’ve been having SO much fun collaborating with We’ve been having SO much fun collaborating with Jim and Katie at the amazing @hopeandoliverestaurant ! 
If you have been missing our Dill Pickles and can’t wait until they come back this summer, stop in and get a Real Pickle Soda or a Real Pickle Martini made with our organic brine! 

Repost from @hopeandoliverestaurant
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Been having fun playing with some @realpickles BRINE and landed on a classic Dirty Martini- but the lacto-fermented pickles are more subtle than the vinegary version- so good finished with a Dilly Bean! Bartender Katie @love.craft.cocktails made a great NA version with the Real Pickle Soda, too- you can ask for them spicy if that’s your jam!
This Earth Day, we celebrate our mission to produc This Earth Day, we celebrate our mission to produce food with a small footprint. Our farm partners are deeply aware of the impacts of climate change to our seasons, pests, crops, and extreme weather. By farming organically, they are also a big part of climate solutions. They are constantly improving their practices to build healthy soil that sequesters carbon and supports biodiversity. They eliminate pesticides and herbicides that are harmful to wildlife, consumers, and farm workers. And, like Real Pickles, their markets are regional and food miles are minimal. Organic farmers are our climate heroes!
🌍🥬👨‍🌾💙 #earthday #climateheroes #realpickles #organic
We were so excited to see chef Michael Scelfo use We were so excited to see chef Michael Scelfo use Real Pickles Organic Ginger Carrots in a recent recipe featured on @kittch ! Link to his video and recipe for "Spicy Carrot Slaw"  in our bio. 

Repost from @mscelfo
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turkey kofta with marinated tomatoes, fermented carrot slaw, & an herby yogurt. 

made it live on @kittch today 🎉

check out the stream & get the recipe over at the kittch site, or tune in next time ✌🏼🙌🏼 

these portions clock in at around 100 calories each…

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311 Wells St
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-2600
info@realpickles.com

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