A Real Pickle is one that is pickled with sea salt and spices, and not vinegar. It also should not have sugar, preservatives, and colors. That rules out about 90% of the pickles on the shelf of your local market. If it is bright green or yellow, stay away, unless you enjoy rashes, emotional outbursts, indigestion, osteoporosis and arthritis.

Try your local asian or Russian store, Whole Foods or similar, or the deli case. Real pickles tend to be more expensive, but it is because they have a shorter shelf life, and they are made by local small businesses. Support them, and enjoy and more delicious and healthier pickle.