Events and Updates

Pickle juice has gotten a lot of press recently. The Times featured a short article on the pickle back a couple months ago – a tasty one-two shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice. My personal preference is a dirty martini loaded with brine. It’s my after-work ritual to fill a martini glass with ice-cold vodka, top it off with Mean Beans or Smokra brine, and then add the beans or okra to munch on while I enjoy my drink. I prefer this over pretty much any other cocktail because it’s refreshing, spicy and vinegary, and keeps me satisfied until dinner.

Turns out that vinegar is largely responsible for the healing properties of pickle juice reported in the study. The vinegar helps alleviate exhaustion – the source of muscle cramps during running. I have to admit that I rarely get muscle cramps even though I exercise 5-6 days a week. I credit that to a lot of things, especially a good diet and adequate sleep. But now I’m wondering if my daily dirty has something to do with it, too. I love vinegary foods and eat lots of pickles as well as kimchi, salads with dressings, and citrus fruits. My own conclusion based on the article is that eating a lot of acidic foods combats physical exhaustion prior to running, which preempts muscle cramps in the first place. That, of course, is my own kitchen sink wisdom applicable only to yours truly. My recommendation: read the article and then try it for yourself. Runner or not, you’re at least guaranteed a tasty beverage.

Jina