You don’t have to be Jewish to love pickles. But you do need discerning tastebuds. We asked Executive Chef Ethan Kostbar of Moderne Barn (430 Bedford Rd, Armonk 914-730-0001), who pickles baby carrots, radishes, and celery root, to taste-test 10 supermarket brands and tell us which is best.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
1/2 |
|
|
| Gundelsheim Crunchy Dill Pickles ($4.49/24 fl oz) “Very crunchy and sweet. Like a French cornichon. Excellent” |
Boar’s Head Kosher Dill Whole Pickles ($3.99/26 fl oz) “I can taste black pepper. Crunchy and well balanced. Really good. |
Horman’s New York Deli Pickle ($4.99/32 fl oz) “Great crunch factor but mild-tasting as there are not enough spices and herbs. Overall, though, a solid pickle.” |
Mt. Olive Polish Kosher Dills ($2/32 fl oz) “Nice crunch. I can taste the dill. Right amount of vinegar.” |
Whole Foods 365 Organic Kosher Dills ($3.69/24 fl oz) “Crunch is okay. A little salty. An average pickle.” |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
1/2 |
1/2 |
|
1/2 |
| Trader Joe’s Kosher Dill Pickles ($2.29/24 fl oz) “Too soft—left in pickling juice too long. Not enough vinegar.” |
Vlasic Polish Dill Spears ($3.39/24 fl oz) “Good crunch but too much salt, sweet/sour balance is off, and funny yellow color.” |
Stop & Shop Kosher Dills ($2.69/24 fl oz) “Good vinegar component but otherwise weak-tasting. And food coloring is off-putting.” |
ShopRite Kosher Dill Pickle Spears ($2/24 fl oz) “Sour level good but there’s little crunch and I can’t taste any spices or herbs.” |
B&G Kosher Dill Spears ($2.99/32 fl oz) “Artificial yellow tinge. Mushy, like canned green beans. Too salty and not enough sourness.” |
