The dill on pickle juice   Athletes like it because... Professional, college and high school football teams are beginning to clamor for pickle juice for their players as a way to stave off muscle cramps. Mr. Crisp opines that the salt content, along with the acetic acid (vinegar), in pickle juice make it attractive to athletic trainers and players. Pickle juice contains salt, calcium chloride and vinegar, in addition to flavorings (dill, bread & butter, etc). The basic ingredients are similar to what you would find in isotonic drinks. Where pickle juice has acetic acid, isotonic drinks contain citric acid. An athletic trainer from the University of Northern Iowa who has used pickle juice with athletes says it doesn't matter if the pickle juice is dill or sweet: the effect on preventing or otherwise diminishing muscle cramps is the same. The intimidation factor of our Zesty Kosher Dills breathed in an opponent's face can't be overlooked, however. Juice without the pickles? Mr. Crisp periodically receives inquiries from folks who want to buy the juice, not the pickles. The reality is you have to have the cucumbers in the jar with the juice to properly balance the taste. Save it You should never throw away pickle juice. It can be used in salads, marinades and other recipes. One woman tells us she puts it on her azalea bushes, and it's known to be great for hangovers (for some of the same reasons it's good for sweating athletes.) Serving pointer When serving pickles, serve them in the juice to maintain the consistency of flavor. Pickles tend to dry out and lose some flavor if served dry. Back to Top