Boston - January 25, 2005

Green, Lean, and Mean

Moonbrine Pickles

They say there are two kinds of people in the world: pickle zealots and everybody else.

In fact, there really are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe this and those who know that it’s just a gross oversimplification.

But all of the above could easily become Moonbrine pickle addicts. Which is exactly the point: These pickles will convert even the pickle-indifferent and pickle-adverse. Connoisseur and self-named Pickle Boy Stewart Golomb perfected his recipe on the Lower East Side (pickle mecca), and now makes them by hand in J.P.

Made with no preservatives, they hit the palate with alarming intensity in amplified flavors like dill (more floral than bitter) and jalapeño (spicy, but not overwhelming). Stay tuned for others.

Because even if there are only two kinds of people in this world, there ought to be more than two kinds of great pickles.

Moonbrine Pickles, Bread & Butter Baking Co., 3346 Washington St., Jamaica Plain (617-983-8688 or moonbrine.com).