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Real Pickles

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

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Home / Products / FAQ

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our fermented products below. If you have other questions, please email us or give us a call!
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When I opened my jar it was fizzy! Is it ok to eat?

Yes. Refrigeration slows the fermentation of our products, but does not stop it – and some of our batches are especially active! If you experience a fizzy sensation on your tongue or open a jar to find downright bubbly kraut, rest assured that you are eating a living food. It is not only safe to eat, but proof that the live cultures and enzymes are hard at work!

When I opened my jar it didn't *pop* like other canned pickles do. Is it ok to eat?

Yes. Our products are cold-packed, which means that they are not cooked or vacuum sealed. Most pickles and sauerkraut you’ll find on the grocery shelf are cooked to create a vacuum seal that makes them shelf stable (and which, when broken, makes the *pop* sound when you first open the jar). In order to preserve the healthful probiotic qualities of our products, we pack them raw and then refrigerate to slow the fermentation at the height of tastiness!

Can I eat Real Pickles products if I don't eat dairy or lactose?

Yes. Lactic acid fermentation, despite its misleading name, actually bears no relation to dairy products. Our products are lactose-free.

What happens if a jar of Real Pickles is left out of refrigeration?

The fermentation process will resume. After a few hours at warm temperatures, some carbonation may develop in the jar, leading to a fizzy or tingling sensation on the tongue. If you find the carbonation undesirable, you can eliminate it by leaving the jar in the refrigerator for several days with the lid on loosely (giving the carbon dioxide a chance to escape). Left out of refrigeration for a few days, the product may become softer and more sour, but it will not spoil.

Once I open a jar of Real Pickles product, how long will it last?

Once opened, the jar should last at least 1 to 2 months under refrigeration. After this time, the top portion (exposed to air) may begin to darken in color and change in flavor, while the product below will remain unaffected for a longer period of time. At this stage, the discolored portion may be discarded and you can continue to enjoy the remainder of the jar.

Why have I noticed differences in the taste or texture between two jars of the same product?

The fermentation process can be affected by subtle factors such as the moisture content of a particular batch of cabbage or the soil type in a cucumber field. As a result, batches frequently vary in taste, texture, and color. Also, as raw products, they will continue to ferment at a very slow rate under refrigeration, leading to continued changes over time.

Why do the Organic Dill Pickles have a cloudy brine and a white sediment at the bottom of the jar?

The white sediment is a natural and healthy by-product of the lactic acid fermentation. When disturbed, the sediment becomes distributed throughout the jar and gives a cloudy appearance to the brine.

Are Real Pickles products gluten-free? Nut-free?

Our products are not currently certified gluten-free and we have not had them tested for gluten. However, our facility is dedicated to the production of Real Pickles products and none of the ingredients in any of our products contain gluten or nuts.

Are there microplastics in the sea salt Real Pickles uses?

A 2018 study (Kim et al.) examined microplastic content in sea salts, rock salts and lake salts across the world. The highest microplastic content was in Asian sea salts, as a result of increased plastic pollution in regional ocean waters. Microplastics in European sea salts were found at much lower levels – similar to rock salts, and in many cases below concentrations found in rock salts. In many cases, refined salts had higher concentrations of microplastics than unrefined salts. While we have not had our salt brand tested for microplastics, based on results in this paper, we feel confident that our choice to use a high quality unrefined European sea salt minimizes microplastic content in our products.

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Join our team! Real Pickles is seeking a highly qu Join our team! Real Pickles is seeking a highly qualified individual who is inspired by our mission and interested in exploring worker-ownership in our co-op to fill the role of Sales Representative & Marketing Assistant.
The Sales Representative & Marketing Assistant supports Real Pickles sales and marketing efforts by maintaining strong customer relationships, promoting brand awareness, and ensuring excellent customer service.
This role involves a balance of inside and outside sales, customer support, marketing content development, and occasional participation in public events and product demonstrations.
We’re looking for a proactive, detail-oriented individual with strong communication skills and a passion for organic and local food.
See full job description and how to apply at realpickles.com/jobs — link in bio!

#RealPickles #coopjobs #westernmassjobs #joinourteam #workerowned
We’re honored to receive this year’s local bus We’re honored to receive this year’s local business Austin Miller Co-op Hero Award! 
Thank you to @rivervalleycoop for the generous recognition and for hosting such a heartwarming event last week. We’re proud to be part of a vibrant community of co-ops, farmers, and change makers working toward a just, sustainable, and resilient local food system.

Repost from @rivervalleycoop
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Thank you to all who attended and worked at our 2025 Strawberry Ice Cream Social Fundraiser. It was a wonderful evening on June 12th at our Easthampton store, celebrating the start of the local summer harvest season and supporting the Center for New Americans. Nearly 800 people attended this patio party throughout the evening, purchasing burgers, grilled corn on the cob, salads, and Strawberry Ice Cream Sundaes. This resulted in raising a total of $10,953 for the Center for New Americans. This is a record high for this fundraising patio party! 

🍓 Read more of RVC’s 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 + 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 recap by visiting the link in their bio 🍓

@cnaforimmigrants 
#foodcoops #communitylove #supportforimmigrants #strongertogether
🌈🥒 Rain or shine, Real Pickles shows up with 🌈🥒 Rain or shine, Real Pickles shows up with PRIDE! We had an amazing time marching in the Franklin County Pride parade this weekend — umbrellas, ponchos, and all. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate love, community, and inclusion with us! And thank you to the amazing team at @franklincountypride for working so hard and making this event happen! 
🤍🩷🩵🤎🖤❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
#RealPickles #pride
✨We’re a finalist!✨ Real Pickles Organic Sau ✨We’re a finalist!✨
Real Pickles Organic Sauerkraut just earned a spot as a finalist in the Pickle Category of @goodfoodfdn’s 15 Years of Good Food Awards.
This special Community Choice edition of the Good Food Awards honors past winners that continue to set the standard for taste, craftsmanship and responsible production. For the first time ever, the good food loving public had a say, submitting over 8,000 ballots to support their favorite producers.
We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many exceptional crafters—and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Winners will be announced, June 28 at Good Food Mercantile NYC.
#goodfoodfdn #goodfoodawards #15yearsofgoodfood #realpickles #packedwithamission #organic #sauerkraut
We are looking forward to celebrating a “Taste o We are looking forward to celebrating a “Taste of River Valley” tomorrow, Friday May 16th, at River Valley Co-op in Easthampton, Ma. 
Derek will be teaming up with our friends from Mi Tierra and Kitchen Garden Farm for a tasty collaboration! If you’re in the area don’t miss it! 

@rivervalleycoop #localfood #coop
Organic Red Napa Cabbage is back! This seasonal sm Organic Red Napa Cabbage is back! This seasonal small-batch ferment brings a vibrant pop of ruby color and bold, savory crunch. Crafted with red Napa cabbage, purple daikon, fresh ginger and Atlantic sea vegetables - it’s a tangy, nutrient-packed flavor that elevates any plate. Get it before it’s gone! 🌊🥬💜
#organic #realpickles #northeastgrown #fermented #packedwithamission

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

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