This upstate family farm relies on the efforts of several generations of "mice," as they call themselves, to prepare preserves, garlics, and pickles.
They appear in the city only once each year, at International Pickle Day (your mouse may vary.) A friend of mine remembers a street cart operated by father-and-son team, name of Greenberg, who sliced servings from a whole pickled watermelon, even during New York winters; the Grey Mouse version (16 oz.; $8) makes do with the rind, although some fiery-colored traces of the flesh remain. It's firm enough to spear on a toothpick, but not much more; hinting at spicy and sweet, but predominantly sour; perhaps an acquired taste, though I acquired it quickly enough.
In addition to my requisite jar of pickled watermelon rind, I also tucked away a bottle of the Grey Mouse raspberry chipotle sauce (16 oz.; $8) and horseradish mustard (9 oz.; $6); both will find themselves brushed on meat, or whisked into mashed potatoes, very soon.
The Grey Mouse Farm
22 Grey Mouse Rd., Saugerties, New York
(at International Pickle Day, Orchard St. between Broome-Grand Sts.)
845-246-3405
www.nynaturals.com/greymouse/
