Have you ever taken a bite of a delicious sandwich, only for it to be ruined by a lackluster pickle? Trust me, I know the feeling all too well. Lucky for us Jersey Mike’s lovers, they seem to have nailed the art of the perfect pickle. But what brand of pickles does Jersey Mike’s use? I set out to do some investigative work and uncover the truth behind their deliciously tangy and crispy pickle slices.
After much research and taste-testing (yes, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it), I can finally reveal the answer. Hold onto your sub, folks – the brand of pickles that Jersey Mike’s uses is… Vlasic! That’s right, the same brand we all know and love from the grocery store aisles. But what is it about Vlasic’s pickles that make them stand out in Jersey Mike’s sandwiches?
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. But after trying them for myself, I can confirm that these pickles are the real deal. Crispy, crunchy, and tangy all in one bite, they perfectly complement the other ingredients in Jersey Mike’s subs. It’s no wonder that this brand has become a staple in the sandwich shop’s menu. So, next time you take a bite of your favorite Jersey Mike’s sandwich, savor the pickles – they might just be the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.
Popular pickle brands used by restaurants
When it comes to pickles, there are several popular brands that restaurants use to add a tangy and flavorful touch to their sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. Here are some of the most common pickle brands you’ll find in restaurants:
- Heinz: Heinz is a well-known brand that produces a wide variety of pickles, from dill to sweet to spicy flavors. Their pickles are known for their crispy texture and tangy taste, making them a popular choice for many restaurants.
- Vlasic: Another popular brand is Vlasic, which offers both classic dill pickles and unique varieties like bread and butter pickles. Vlasic pickles are known for their crunchiness and signature “snap” when you bite into them.
- Claussen: Claussen pickles are known for their freshness and crispness. They are usually sold in refrigerated sections of grocery stores and are a favorite of many restaurants for their authentic flavor.
- Grillo’s: Grillo’s pickles are a newer brand that has gained popularity in recent years. Their handcrafted pickles are made with fresh, natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors, including dill, garlic, and spicy.
Restaurants choose these brands for their quality, taste, and consistency. Many of these brands also offer different shapes and sizes of pickles, from chips to spears to whole pickles, which makes them versatile for different dishes and menu items.
Pickle types and variations
Jersey Mike’s uses a specific brand of pickles to enhance the flavor and add a delicious crunch to their sandwiches. But before we dive into the brand, let’s take a closer look at the different types of pickles.
- Dill pickles – These are the most common type of pickles, made with cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, dill weed, and garlic. They have a tangy, sour taste and pairs well with sandwiches and burgers.
- Bread and butter pickles – These pickles are made with cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and spices. They have a sweeter taste and are perfect for adding to sandwiches or as a snack.
- Kosher pickles – These pickles are made with whole cucumbers, water, salt, garlic, and dill. They have a firm texture and a salty, garlicky taste.
Now, let’s talk about the brand of pickles that Jersey Mike’s uses. They use the nationally recognized brand, McClure’s Pickles. McClure’s Pickles are made with simple ingredients such as cucumbers, water, vinegar, garlic, and dill. What sets them apart from other brands is their unique pickling process that gives their pickles a perfect crunch and just the right amount of tangy flavor.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of McClure’s Pickles that Jersey Mike’s offers:
| Pickle Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Whole Spicy Pickles | Made with fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill, and spicy red pepper flakes. They pack a punch of heat and add a crunch to any sandwich. |
| Whole Garlic Dill Pickles | Made with fresh cucumbers, garlic, and dill. They have a classic dill pickle taste with a strong garlic kick. |
| Bread and Butter Pickles | Made with fresh cucumbers, onion, mustard seed, and turmeric. These pickles are a sweet and tangy addition to any sandwich or snack. |
Overall, the brand of pickles that Jersey Mike’s uses – McClure’s Pickles – is a high-quality choice that adds the perfect amount of crunch and flavor to their sandwiches.
The history of pickling
Pickling is the process of preserving food by either immersing it in vinegar or by making use of a saltwater brine. The practice originated over 4,000 years ago in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. It was at this time that pickling was used primarily as a means of preserving food for later consumption. The pickling process was very useful before the invention of refrigeration as it was the only way to preserve food.
The benefits of pickling
- Pickling is a great way to preserve perishable foods for extended periods of time.
- It enhances the flavor of foods by infusing them with various spices and seasonings.
- Pickling can help to mitigate food waste by allowing perishable foods to be saved and utilized.
The science of pickling
Pickling science is fascinating as it involves a chemical process that can transform the texture and flavor of foods. During the pickling process, the vinegar or brine’s acidity creates a hostile environment for the growth of harmful bacteria, which allows the food to be preserved for a more extended period. The sour, salty, and acidic flavors are the result of the fermentation process, which creates complex flavor profiles and enhances the taste of the food being pickled.
The pickling process also alters the texture of foods. The acidity in the pickling liquid breaks down the fibers in vegetables, resulting in a softer texture of the pickled food.
What brand of pickles does Jersey Mike’s use?
Jersey Mike’s selects top-quality ingredients for its sandwiches and uses only the best pickles. They have their exclusive supplier for their pickles on the East Coast, where their headquarters is located. Jersey Mike’s pickles are sourced from a family-owned and operated company called Fran’s Kitchen. Fran’s Kitchen hand-packs all their slices and spears in their NYC production facility to ensure a consistent, high-quality pickle every time.
| Pickle Brand | Institution |
|---|---|
| Fran’s Kitchen Pickles | Jersey Mike’s |
With Fran’s Kitchen as their exclusive source, Jersey Mike’s ensures the highest quality and consistent taste for their customers.
Health benefits of pickles
Pickles have become a popular ingredient in sandwiches, burgers, and salads, but have you ever thought about their health benefits? Pickles, made by fermenting cucumbers in vinegar or saltwater, have a surprising number of health benefits. Here are just a few reasons to add pickles to your diet:
- Low calorie: A single pickle spear has only about 5 calories, making them a great low-calorie snack option.
- Probiotics: Pickles are rich in probiotics, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This can lead to better digestion and overall improved immunity.
- Vitamins: Pickles contain vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.
However, it’s important to note that not all pickles are created equal. Some store-bought pickles can be high in sodium and preservatives, which can negate any potential health benefits. It’s best to look for natural, organic pickles or even make your own at home to ensure the healthiest option.
| Brand | Type of Pickle | Sodium Content (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Jarlsberg | Kosher Dill | 150mg |
| B&G | Baby Dill | 260mg |
| Heinz | Gherkins | 160mg |
Jersey Mike’s uses a proprietary brand of pickles, and their nutritional information is not publicly available. However, it’s important to keep in mind that moderation is key with any food, including pickles. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium pickle options or try limiting your pickle consumption to a few servings per week.
Pickling Techniques and Recipes
At Jersey Mike’s, the pickles they use are essential in adding a unique flavor and texture to their sandwiches. The pickling process is a crucial step in making these pickles, and it involves various pickling techniques and recipes to achieve the perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and crunchiness.
Pickling Techniques
- Fermented Pickles – this technique involves immersing cucumbers in a saltwater solution, which promotes the growth of good bacteria that transforms the natural sugars into lactic acid, resulting in a tangy and sour taste.
- Vinegar Pickles – this method involves soaking cucumbers in vinegar and spices, resulting in a sharp and acidic flavor.
- Refrigerator Pickles – this easy and quick process involves soaking cucumbers in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and sugar in a refrigerator, resulting in a crisp and sweet flavor.
Pickling Recipes
While the pickling techniques are essential, the recipes for the pickling brine are equally critical in creating the perfect Jersey Mike’s pickle. Here are some of the common ingredients found in the pickling recipes:
- Vinegar – this acidic ingredient helps preserve the cucumbers and adds a sharp taste to the brine.
- Salt – this ingredient helps extract the moisture from the cucumbers and helps with the preservation process.
- Sugar – this ingredient adds sweetness to the brine and helps balance out the acidity and saltiness.
- Spices – this ingredient adds flavor and aroma to the brine. Common spices used are mustard seeds, dill seeds, garlic, and peppercorns.
Pickling Recipe Example
Here’s an example of a pickling recipe that Jersey Mike’s may use:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White Vinegar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Dill Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 cloves, halved |
To make the pickle brine, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar, then let it cool to room temperature. Pour this mixture over the cucumbers in a sterile jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.
Pickling is a combination of science and art, and there is no single way to achieve the perfect pickle. However, by experimenting with various pickling techniques and recipes, you can create the perfect pickle that suits your taste.
Pickles as a Condiment
Pickles are a classic, tangy, and refreshing condiment that can enhance the flavors of sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. They are made by soaking cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, water, salt, and other flavorings, and come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some people even enjoy eating pickles as a snack or adding them to salads and dishes.
- Pickles provide a burst of flavor and acidity that can balance the richness of meats, cheeses, and sauces. They can cut through the grease and saltiness of deli meats and bacon, or complement the creaminess and spiciness of dressings and mustards. They can also add crunch and juiciness to soft and dry breads, and contrast the sweetness and mildness of fruits and veggies.
- Pickles can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. They can be made sweeter or sourer, spicier or milder, or infused with herbs, garlic, dill, or other aromatics. Some people even experiment with pickling other vegetables, fruits, or meats, or combining different types of pickles in the same sandwich or dish.
- Pickles have a long shelf-life and can be stored in jars or bags in the fridge or pantry. They are also relatively low in calories, fat, and sugar, and can add some nutritional value to meals. However, some pickles may contain high amounts of sodium or preservatives, so it’s important to read labels and consume them in moderation.
At Jersey Mike’s, the brand of pickles that they use may vary depending on the location, supplier, and availability. However, using high-quality pickles can make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of their sandwiches. Below is a comparison table of some popular pickle brands, based on factors such as taste, crunch, color, and ingredients:
| Brand | Taste | Crunch | Color | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boar’s Head | Garlicky, slightly sweet | Firm, not too hard | Light green | Cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt, garlic |
| McClure’s | Zesty, spicy | Crisp, almost pickle chip-like | Dark green | Cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt, dill, garlic, spices |
| Heinz | Sweet, tangy | Tender, not very crunchy | Yellowish-green | Cucumbers, high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric |
Overall, pickles can be a simple yet powerful way to elevate the flavors and textures of sandwiches. From sour and crunchy to sweet and mild, there are many types of pickles to choose from, and finding the right brand can depend on personal preferences and needs. Whether you make your own pickles or enjoy store-bought ones, they can enhance the taste buds and add some extra zing to your meals.
Best way to store pickles
Jersey Mike’s uses high-quality pickles to ensure the perfect taste for their sandwiches. However, not everyone likes their pickles served cold or at room temperature. So, what is the best way to store pickles to maintain their quality and freshness?
- Store pickles in an airtight container: When exposed to air and moisture, pickles can become soggy and lose their crunchy texture. The best way to preserve their crispiness is by storing in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids are ideal choices.
- Store pickles in the refrigerator: Pickles can last for months when stored in the fridge. Refrigeration slows down the fermentation process, which helps to maintain their quality for a longer time. Make sure the pickles are stored in the colder parts of the refrigerator and not in the door compartments.
- Store pickles away from sunlight: Light can cause pickles to discolor and lose their flavor. It’s important to store them in a dark place or a refrigerator drawer that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
If you’re one of those people who don’t like their pickles served cold, you can always take them out of the fridge an hour before serving to let them reach room temperature.
Here’s a table that shows how long different types of pickles last in the fridge.
| Type of pickle | Refrigerator shelf life |
|---|---|
| Dill pickles | 6-8 months |
| Bread and butter pickles | 2-3 months |
| Spicy pickles | 3-4 months |
Now that you know the best way to store your pickles, you can enjoy them for a longer time without compromising taste or quality.
What brand of pickles does Jersey Mike’s use?
Q: What type of pickles does Jersey Mike’s use?
A: Jersey Mike’s uses a dill pickle spear in all of its sandwiches.
Q: Are the pickles at Jersey Mike’s spicy?
A: No, the pickles at Jersey Mike’s are not spicy. They are a classic dill pickle flavor.
Q: Can I order extra pickles on my sandwich?
A: Yes, you can add extra pickles to your sandwich at Jersey Mike’s.
Q: What brand of pickles does Jersey Mike’s use?
A: Jersey Mike’s uses a private label brand of pickles.
Q: Are Jersey Mike’s pickles gluten-free?
A: Yes, Jersey Mike’s pickles are gluten-free.
Q: Can I purchase Jersey Mike’s pickles to take home?
A: Unfortunately, Jersey Mike’s pickles are not available for purchase.
Q: Are Jersey Mike’s pickles kosher?
A: Jersey Mike’s pickles are not certified kosher.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about what brand of pickles Jersey Mike’s uses. If you’re looking for a delicious sandwich with the perfect pickle, then Jersey Mike’s is the place to go. Don’t forget to come back and read more informative articles about your favorite food and restaurants.