Pickling cucumbers is a popular way to preserve and improve their flavor. Cornichons and gherkins are two common varieties used in this process. Although both are small pickled cucumbers, they have some differences in size, texture, and flavor.
What is the difference between cornichons and gherkins? Cornichons are generally smaller and tangier, whereas gherkins are slightly larger and have a comparatively milder taste.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Cornichons
– Definition, Features
2. What are Gherkins
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Cornichons and Gherkins
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cornichons and Gherkins
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Cornichons and Gherkins
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Cornichons, Gherkins
What are Cornichons
Cornichons are small, tangy pickles made from a special variety of small gherkins. Unlike regular cucumbers, these gherkins are picked when they’re still young, about one to two inches long, and have a bumpy texture. The process of making cornichons starts with curing the gherkins in salt overnight to remove excess moisture. Then, they are soaked in vinegar overnight. Next, the vinegar is brought to a simmer and cooled. Finally, the gherkins are sealed into jars with herbs and aromatics such as tarragon, cloves, bay leaves, thyme, and pearl onions. Some types don’t go through the simmering step. This helps to create a firmer, crisper cornichon.
Moreover, these crisp little pickles are often a traditional part of charcuterie boards. They can balance out the rich, salty flavors of pâtés, sausages, and cured meats. They are also chopped into dishes like beef stroganoff, steak tartare, potato salad, and egg salad. Moreover, cornichons go well with grilled pork, and they are often used in a classic sauce for pork dishes.
You can enjoy them in sandwiches, as a garnish, or simply on a toothpick as part of a relish plate. When considering its taste, cornichons are both tart and slightly sweet, with a refreshing, briny flavor. They are also crunchier and milder than traditional dill pickles.
What are Gherkins
Gherkins are a special type of cucumber that are grown and harvested specifically for pickling. They belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, just like regular cucumbers. But they are usually smaller, bumpier, and crunchier.
Gherkins are commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They are also served as a side to balance rich, salty foods like cured meats and cheese. Gherkins can grow up to five inches long, but for some varieties, like the cornichon, they are picked when they are no larger than a baby finger before being pickled.
Similarities Between Cornichons and Gherkins
- Both cornichons and gherkins are small pickled cucumbers.
- They have a sour or tangy flavor.
- Both can be used as garnishes or condiments.
- Moreover, they have a crunchy texture when properly pickled.
- In addition, both are often pickled with vinegar, salt, and spices.
Difference Between Cornichons and Gherkins
Definition
- Cornichons are small, tart, and sweet French pickles made from gherkins, typically pickled in vinegar with herbs and spices. Gherkins, on the other hand, are small cucumbers, usually pickled in vinegar or brine.
Size
- Cornichons are much smaller, usually about 1 to 2 inches long, whereas gherkins can be larger.
Pickling Process
- Cornichons are pickled in vinegar with herbs and spices and often simmered, whereas gherkins are usually pickled in brine or vinegar but not always simmered.
Texture
- Cornichons have a crisper, firmer texture while gherkins are comparatively softer.
Taste
- Cornichons are tart, sweet, and briny with a zesty flavor. Meanwhile, gherkins are usually more sour and less sweet than cornichons.
FAQ: Cornichons and Gherkins
1. Are gherkins and cornichon the same?
Cornichons are a type of gherkin, but not all gherkins are cornichons. Cornichons are made from a special variety of small, bumpy gherkins that are picked young and pickled with vinegar, herbs, and spices. Meanwhile, regular gherkins can be larger and pickled in different ways.
2. Are cornichons small gherkins?
Yes, cornichons are small gherkins. They are a special variety that is picked when very young, about one to two inches long, and then pickled with vinegar, herbs, and spices.
3. What is the difference between gherkins and pickles?
The main difference is that gherkins are a type of small cucumber, while “pickles” refer to cucumbers that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. Gherkins are often used to make pickles, but not all pickles are gherkins.
4. Which pickle is used in burgers?
Dill pickles are typically used in burgers. This is because they add a tangy, slightly sour flavor that complements the other ingredients in the burger.
Reference:
1. “What Are Cornichons?” The Spruce Eats.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cornichons” By Frances (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Green, gherkin, plant, food, cucumber, gourd, and melon family, vegetable, organism, photography, produce, cucumis, superfood, vegan nutrition” (CC0) via Pxhere
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