PICKLES in New York: Pickle Culture

PICKLE CULTURE IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024.

I didn’t realize pickles were such a holiday market thing, but we now have at least our second pickle stand at the local Holiday Markets around the city.

Years ago, I discovered Pickle Me Pete in Bryant Park and upon a recent re-visit this year, they are still going strong (with long lines and much higher prices than before).

Turns out there is a second pickle company now at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. They are on the outskirts of the market so when I stopped by there was unfortunately nobody at their stand or the ones nearby.

Pickle Culture is an established company in Fairfield, New Jersey, where they make their pickles and operate at local farmer’s markets. From what I can tell, this is their first foray into NYC.

Their concept is unique flavors of pickles – a bit further than horseradish and spicy. I took a quick taste of the taco and ranch and from my one little bite, I couldn’t really decipher any deep flavors. Both were on the watery side and seemed very similar to each other.

I decided on a giant pickle on a stick (the best option for walking around the market). They offer all their flavors for this at $5 per pickle ($1 less than Pickle Me Pete).

For the sake of this blog, I chose the Classic Dill which was as large as advertised.

It was an incredibly juicy pickle – explosive and watery. Flavorwise, it was fresh and subtle with just hints of vinegar and garlic. This is somewhere between a new and sour pickle. Sour lovers will be a bit disappointed by the mildness.

As I finished off this giant, it felt like I had eaten almost an entire meal. Try eating an entire cucumber and see how you feel.

It was tasty and refreshing and more of a crowd-pleaser for a wider audience than the funkier sour pickles you might expect at old school New York delis.

Walking around munching on a pickle on a stick didn’t feel so different from the other stick foods sold at these market (fried chicken, Korean hot dogs, etc.) and evidently these are all part of the holiday tradition. Who knew?

Does Pickle Culture make the best pickles in NY? These pickles are incredibly big and juicy so if that’s your thing with a refreshing bite, then hurry up here before they close for the season. I liked them and give them a 7 out of 10.