The Real “Dill”: Must-Try Deli Pickles from Heinen’s
The following story was written by Heinen’s partner Elaine T. Cicora.
Americans love their pickles: on sandwiches, in salads, or fished straight out of the jar with a fork. And why not? With flavor profiles that range from sweet, to spicy, to zesty kimchi, these crunchy cukes are not only a convenient snack or condiment, they also play an increasingly important role as ingredients and accompaniments to a number of popular ethnic cuisines. And talk about variety! Crunchy, garlicky kosher deli pickles traditionally get their distinctive flavor, not from vinegar, but from a salt-water brine. Artisanal fermented pickles can offer gut-healthy probiotics. And would any grilled cheese sandwich be complete without a pile of bread & butter chips on the side?
But regardless of why you love them, there is one thing you must know about this ultimate condiment: Heinen’s carries one of the most unique and high-end assortments of deli pickles available. No less than Heinen’s meats, cheeses and produce, Heinen’s selection of pickles found in the Deli Department is carefully curated for quality and flavor from Heinen’s trusted producers, including local suppliers. As a result, the products that you’ll find there are as authentic and delicious as it gets in the grocery retail industry.
Remember: To preserve their signature crispness and crunch, deli pickles must be kept refrigerated.
Here’s a sampling of some of our favorite refrigerated pickles found in Heinen’s Deli Department.
Heinen’s Pickles & Sauerkraut
- Heinen’s Kosher Dill Pickles, in a variety of cuts
No gluten, no preservatives and no added sugar help make Heinen’s Kosher Dill Pickles a crisp, delicious addition to your next salad, sandwich, burger, or snack plate. Adding to their versatility, these Ohio-made dills are also available in several cuts – whole, sliced, and spears – ensuring you’ll find one that is exactly right for your culinary intentions.
- Heinen’s Bread & Butter Pickle Chips
Not too sweet and not too tart, Heinen’s Bread & Butter Pickle Chips are crisp and nuanced, with a well-rounded flavor, as well as being gluten- and preservative-free. The perfect accompaniment to a grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey club.
- Heinen’s Sauerkraut
Gluten free, preservative free, and keto friendly, this kosher kraut contains only water, cabbage and salt and delivers a flavor both mellow and mild. Enjoy it by the forkful, straight out of the jar; or serve it warm, with your favorite enhancements.
Cleveland Kitchen Pickles
With a focus on their Cleveland heritage and thoughtfully sourced ingredients from local Midwestern farms, Cleveland Kitchen produces everything from krauts and kimchi to dressings and – yes! – pickles, freshly packed, lightly fermented and naturally flavorful.
- Dilly Garlic Pickles, in a variety of cuts
Just like the name says, these super crunchy pickles pack a pleasing punch of dill and garlic, along with notes of allspice, peppercorn, coriander and bay leaf. Try them in your tuna salad, on hot dogs and burgers, or as a mouthwatering “anytime” snack. They’re available as chips, spears, and single-serving chips, just right for snacking on the go.
- Single-Serving Hot Picks Pickle Chips
A dash of heat and tingle of turmeric make these single-serve hotties a zesty snack as well as the ideal companion to eggs, avocados, and rice or noodle dishes.
- Kimchi Pickle Chips
Made with a unique fermented vinegar, these thick-cut chips are crisp, crunchy and just a little spicy, thanks to a touch of gochugaru chili pepper. Gochugaru notwithstanding, the flavor is more fun than fiery, making them a great accompaniment to your favorite burgers, sandwiches or Korean-style dishes.
Nathan’s Famous Pickles
Launched as a Coney Island hot dog stand back in 1916, Nathan’s Famous has grown into a beloved international brand, not least of all for its New York-style kosher dill pickles. But while the pedigree may be East Coast, the manufacturing is Midwestern: Nathan’s Famous Kosher Dill Pickles are made in Garrettsville, Ohio, by the family-owned and operated Hermann’s Pickles (more about them, later).
- Kosher Dill Pickles, in a variety of cuts
Despite the bits of garlic floating in the jar, these kosher dill whole, half and spear pickles are mellow and relatively mild, with a pleasing balance of briny salt and vinegary oomph. In addition to siding backyard burgers, we think Nathan’s Kosher Spears would be an especially fabulous choice for topping your next Chicago-style hot dog.
Don Hermann & Sons
Situated in Garrettsville, in northern Portage County, Ohio, Don Hermann launched his homemade pickle business in the 1960s. Today, the company is still family owned and operated, and can honestly lay claim to some of the most authentic-tasting deli-style pickles around.
- Kosher Deli Garlic Whole Pickles
Made, as tradition dictates, without vinegar, these salt-brined beauties are mellow, garlicky, and crazy crunchy – and make us dream of pastrami sandwiches with every bite.
Two more Hermann pickles will soon be joining the Heinen’s lineup: Kosher Dill Pickle Spears and Kosher Spicy Dill Pickle Chips. Watch for them in the Deli Department’s refrigerated cases.
