About Us
DJ’s Pickles is an artisan pickling company based out of Asheville, NC that manufactures small-batch, chef-crafted pickles with a variety of fresh produce brined with unique flavor profiles and inspired by the rich agricultural community of western North Carolina.
Mission:
To cultivate the tradition of pickling in modern culinary practice to reduce food waste, inspire communities, and enhance food systems with sustainability, integrity, purpose, and vision.
Peace, love and pickles
Do DJ’s products need to be refrigerated?
Yes! The jars are not sealed to serve as shelf-stable. The cold pickle is designed to keep its crunch, color and flavor! Plus, they get sweeter at room temperature. While jars can be left out for a good dill of time (so long as not in direct heat) and not go bad, acid changes can create undesirable fermentation. DJ’s Pickles are hot-brined and cold-processed. They generally hold their color and crunch for 5 months in the fridge.
Are DJ’s pickles gluten free? Vegan?
You bet your pickle on it. All of our products are Gluten-Free, made in a Gluten-Free facility, and contain no preservatives. No animals were hurt in the making of any DJ’s Pickles product - including the char free sugar we use. We also share scraps with our animal friends.
What general ingredients do you use?
We use pure Apple Cider Vinegar (no dyes and no artificial flavoring), pure cane sugar, Asheville’s finest water, Morton’s pickling salt and other specialty ingredients (such as Italian-import Balsamic Vinegar and RL Schreiber spices).
Are DJ’s Pickles fermented?
They are not - all of our brines are vinegar-based (ferment-derived), but do not go through a fermentation process. This keeps the crunch and flavor of the fresh produce longer.
Where are we located?
You may find us Wed-Sat 10:30am-3:30pm at the WNC Farmers Market - 570 Brevard Rd., Suite 16, Asheville, NC 28806 as well as at tailgate markets and special events. Business partner locations can be found here.
Who are you?
Heather Bauer, CEO/Event Coordinator
Chef Don Paleno, Founder/Operator
Don is a former Executive Chef of over 20 years, with a culinary degree from AB-Tech. Don has worked in private clubs and resorts, restaurants, catering and other private settings. He is a culinary educator, has experience with public demonstrations and served as President of the American Culinary Federation western North Carolina Chapter.
Heather is a former Executive Director, Community Engagement and Human Resource manager in human services for nearly 20 years, with a Bachelor in Arts in Professional Writing and a series of ongoing education certificates related to community engagement. Heather owned and operated a wellness studio, has experience with contract management and grants, as well as in marketing and advertising through non-profit and private businesses and community based organizations.
Both have years of hospitality service under their belts and operate with passion, talent, and commitment.
They each bring unique talents and connections within the area and are working with available resources to continue to grow in themselves and through others to build upon their foundation for lifelong learning and a life of service.
