800 Bancroft Way — Suite 105 — Berkeley, Ca 94710
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you use vinegar?
No. Everything we make is pickled using natural fermentation methods.
Do you have to use salt?
Yes.
How long do you ferment your pickles?
Till they're perfect. Depending on the type of pickle this can be anywhere from 24 hours to a year or more.
“The top of the jar is bulging.” or “I opened my jar and the contents began to bubble. Is it safe to eat?”
Yes. Our pickles are not pasteurized and will continue to ferment in the jar. What you are seeing, what's causing the bulge in the lid, are bubbles of carbon dioxide created by fermentation.
Are any of your pickles better for me then any other?
No. Let's be clear, what we make here is food. If what you are interested in is getting as much Lactobacilli into your gut as possible, take a supplement. All too often the conversation around fermented products ends with probiotics. We believe that is where it begins. It is what you do with the process, how you control the salt ratios, the moisture content, the time and temperature of fermentation, and ultimately the product you create, that matters.
Do you teach classes?
No.
I'm interested in fermenting at home. Are there any books or resources you recommend?
Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz.
I'm interested in starting a fermentation business in my area. Could you save me many hours of research and tell me where you source everything from vegetables to jars, labels to fermenting tanks, and could you tell me about all legal requirements to set up a food business?
What? And deprive you of all the joys of starting your own business? No. We source everything as locally as possible and cannot help you. Laws are different everywhere and we cannot help you.
Do you take your jars back?
Yes. You may return them to the Pickle Shop or the Berkeley Farmers' Markets. We will even give you a quarter for each one.
I don't see any pickles. Why not?
If we make it, it's a pickle. What you are not seeing is a Classic Dill Cucumber pickle. You need to catch up to the rest of the world and expand your definitions. But for those who want one, we do make a Classic Dill Cucumber pickle in the summer when cucumbers are in season.
How long do your pickles last in the fridge?
That depends on the pickle. Most of our pickles are not going to go bad in the traditional sense, but they will change over time. To prolong their life you could do the following:
1) Don't leave them out on the counter uncovered for long periods of time.
2) Don't eat out of the jar.
3) Keep the pickles soaking in brine by taking the back end of a spoon and pushing down the contents until they are covered by brine.
Can I carry your product in my store?
If you are located in Northern California, we can probably work that out. If not....No.
When shipping, do you have to use Fed Ex 2nd Day? It's very expensive.
Yes, we do. Yes, it is expensive. You are paying for a product that should be refrigerated to be picked up at our door and delivered to yours. That should be expensive.
I am interested in learning. Can I do a stage at your shop?
Yes! We have had stagiaires from all over the world. When you come, be ready to work hard and ask questions and you will learn a lot and be able to stay as long as you want. Otherwise, you will learn how to scrub beets and not be invited back.