Save the briny goodness for a frozen treat.
Next time the last pickle is pulled from the jar, be sure to keep the juice handy for popsicles. These tasty, frozen bites not only promote less waste by using an ingredient commonly tossed in the trash or poured down the drain, but they’re also fun, and they tout great health benefits.
Matt Soter, owner and chief preservation officer of Nevada Brining Co. in Sparks, recently began making pickle popsicles himself, and he’s enjoyed the commercial versions found in specialty shops. They are fairly simple to make, and he encourages some creativity in the process.
“You take pickle juice and sugar, whisk it together, and pour everything into a mold,” he explains. “You can also do them in an ice cube tray for smaller bites or to use in cocktails. I also really like to include pickle slices, so you can get a bite of the pickle along the way.”
Perfect Pickly Pairings
Nevada Brining Co. makes several pickle flavors, including Cherry Kool-Aid. (Yes, you read that right.)
“They are extremely popular in the summer and with the Burning Man crowd,” Soter says. “You could definitely use the juice for some great popsicles. In addition to kosher [pickles], bread and butter are nice, with the sweet element.”
Soter suggests pairing the pickle popsicles with tequila — either as ice cubes in a drink or even as a chaser after a chilled shot. He also encourages folks to incorporate them into their next barbecue spread.
“It’s summertime and hot out,” he continues. “Pickle popsicles with a pulled pork sandwich on a potato bun and coleslaw. Sounds delicious.”
They’re good for you, too. In fact, one of the biggest reasons Soter started Nevada Brining Co. is because he recognized the health benefits of pickle juice when trying to mend from his own health issues.
“I had my gallbladder removed in my 30s, and that kicked off cascading medical problems,” he says. “I ended up with gout and was looking at dialysis by age 50. After visiting with a holistic healer and incorporating pickle juice into my daily routine, I was able to get off some medications and feel better than ever.”
Pickle juice contains vinegar and natural probiotics that are reputed to help with everything from muscle recovery following a workout to gut health, weight loss, headaches, menstrual cramps, and even heartburn. Experts suggest that you exercise caution with sodium levels in some brines and avoid pickle juice if you’re at risk for hypertension or stomach ulcers.
Ready to turn your next jar of pickle juice into a cold summer treat? Try the recipe below!
RESOURCES
Nevada Brining Co. products are available for purchase at Sprouts Farmers Markets in Nevada, more than 50 Whole Foods Market locations across Northern Nevada and Northern California, and soon, Raley’s Supermarkets in Northern Nevada and Northern California.
Pickle Pops
(courtesy of Matt Soter, owner/chief preservation officer, Nevada Brining Co. in Sparks. Serves 6 to 8)
2¼ cups pickle juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ cup pickle chips (optional)
In a large measuring cup, whisk together pickle juice and sugar. Place a few pickle chips in each popsicle mold, then pour in pickle juice mixture. Cover and add popsicle sticks. Freeze until solid (about 4 hours). Run warm water over molds to loosen popsicles and serve immediately.
