Randy Chandler
Gherkin pickles are a popular choice for charcuterie boards, which often feature cheese, meats, dips, crackers, and bread. Gherkins are small, immature cucumbers, pickled in vinegar or brine, and are known for their crunchy texture and tangy, mildly sweet flavour. They are commonly known as cornichons in French and are often flavoured with vinegar, onion, and mustard seed. When added to a cheese board, gherkins can elevate the experience, providing a tangy sweetness that balances rich meats and cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use in cheese boards | Yes |
| Other names | Cornichons, Irish gherkin rarebit |
| Taste | Tart and mildly sweet |
| Texture | Crunchy |
| Size | 1-2 inches long, width of a child's finger |
| Colour | Green |
| Type of food | Pickle |
| Food pairings | Pâté, cured meat, cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Gherkin pickles are a popular choice for cheese boards
Gherkins are commonly known as cornichons, especially in French, and are often flavoured with vinegar, onion, and mustard seed. They are usually one to two inches long and about the width of a child's finger. They are a close relative of the cucumber, with a similar appearance, but a bumpier exterior.
Gherkins are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a popular addition to sandwiches, wraps, and salads, providing a crunchy texture and tangy flavour. They can also be used as a garnish for cocktails or Bloody Marys, or simply enjoyed as a snack straight from the jar.
When it comes to cheese boards, gherkins can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, feta, havarti, gouda, and brie. Their tangy sweetness helps to balance out the rich flavours of the cheese, creating a delightful taste experience.
Preparing homemade gherkin pickles is a simple process that can be done in pint-size jars. The cucumbers are soaked in a saltwater solution to draw out excess moisture and achieve a firmer texture. The brine is then flavoured with spices, such as peppercorns and pickling spice, and the cucumbers are left to pickle, resulting in a delicious addition to any cheese board.
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They balance out the richness of cheese
Gherkins, also known as cornichons, are small, immature cucumbers that are pickled in vinegar or brine. They are often used in English-speaking countries and are popular on charcuterie boards. Gherkins have a tangy and mildly sweet flavour, with a crunchy texture. This makes them a great addition to a cheese board, as they balance out the richness of the cheese.
When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider the different flavours and textures that will complement each other. The tangy sweetness of gherkins can help to cut through the richness of certain cheeses, providing a refreshing contrast. This is especially true when stronger, more pungent cheeses are served. For example, the sharpness of cheddar or the creaminess of brie can be enhanced by the addition of gherkins.
In French cooking, cornichons are often served with pâté, cured meats, and cheese. The crunch and tartness of the cornichon balance out the richness of these dishes. Similarly, on a cheese board, gherkins can provide a similar balancing effect, making them a versatile and popular choice.
Gherkins can also be used in a variety of other ways on a cheese board. For instance, they can be chopped and added to dips or spreads, providing a tangy kick. They can also be sliced thinly and used as a garnish, adding a subtle sweetness and a crunchy texture. When creating a charcuterie board, it is common to include crackers, bread, meats, dips, and sweet and sour bites. Gherkins tick the box for the latter, and their versatility means they can also be used as a garnish or side to other components of the board.
Overall, gherkins are a great addition to a cheese board as they balance out the richness of cheese. Their tangy and mildly sweet flavour, along with their crunchy texture, makes them a versatile ingredient that can enhance the overall taste experience.
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They are also called cornichons
Gherkin pickles are commonly used on cheese boards and are also called cornichons. Cornichons are small, bright green, and bumpy, with a length of one to two inches and a width of about a quarter of an inch in diameter. They are made from a specific variety of gherkin cucumbers that are smaller than those typically found in supermarkets. They are picked when they are still young, as they develop sharp spikes as they mature.
Cornichons are a French term for these tiny, pickled cucumbers, and they are known by this name in both France and the United States. In most English-speaking countries, however, they are referred to as gherkins. The French word "cornichon" translates to "pickle," and the French do not differentiate between gherkins and cucumbers when they are pickled.
Cornichons have a unique flavour that complements the rich, savoury flavours of meat and cheese platters. They are often found on charcuterie boards, paired with items like pâtés, cured meats, and cheese. Their tart, mildly sweet, and briny flavour, along with their crunchy texture, makes them a refreshing addition to these savoury dishes.
Cornichons are typically cured in salt overnight to draw out excess liquid and then pickled in vinegar with herbs and aromatics such as tarragon, cloves, bay leaves, thyme, and pearl onions. The pickling process allows cornichons to take on the flavours of the herbs and spices used, resulting in a subtle sourness and a delicate flavour. This makes them a versatile condiment that can be added to sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed as a garnish on charcuterie boards.
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They can be made at home
Gherkins, also known as cornichons, are a popular choice for cheese boards or charcuterie boards. They are small pickled cucumbers, usually about one to three inches long. They have a tangy and sour taste, which makes them a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.
Gherkin pickles can be easily made at home and are a replica of the store-bought variety. The process is straightforward and requires no special equipment. Here is a simple recipe to make your own gherkin pickles at home:
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers (baby cucumbers or small, early-onset cucumbers)
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Spices (such as peppercorns, garlic, dill, celery seeds, fennel seeds, turmeric, etc.)
Steps:
- Wash the cucumbers and remove the blossom ends.
- Soak the cucumbers in brine (salt and water solution) overnight. This helps them remain crisp.
- Drain the cucumbers and add the pickling salt. Soak them again in fresh boiling water overnight.
- Drain the cucumbers and prick them with a fork several times.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a large pan. You can create your own blend of pickling spices using various aromatic spices.
- Add the cucumbers to a jar and pour the hot brine mixture over them.
- Allow the pickles to mature for at least two weeks. The longer they sit, the more complex their flavor will become.
Tips:
- If you prefer sweeter gherkins, add sugar to the pickling brine.
- You can also add other ingredients like garlic cloves, pearl onions, tarragon, or bay leaves to the jar for additional flavor.
Making your own gherkin pickles at home ensures you can control the sweetness and flavor to your liking. It also allows you to enjoy these tangy treats on your cheese or charcuterie boards whenever you want!
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They are small, immature cucumbers
Gherkins, also known as cornichons, are small, immature cucumbers that are pickled in vinegar or brine. They are a close relative of the cucumber but have a bumpier exterior. They are typically one to two inches long and about as wide as a child's finger. Gherkins have a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet and tangy flavour. They are commonly used in European cuisines and are especially popular in English-speaking countries.
Gherkins are often sold in jars and can be found in most major supermarkets. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They can also be served as a snack straight from the jar or used as a garnish for cocktails like Bloody Marys. Gherkins are a popular choice for charcuterie boards, where they pair well with meats and cheeses. Their tangy sweetness helps to balance the richness of other foods on the board.
When preparing gherkins for a charcuterie board, it is important to consider the size and flavour of the pickles. Gherkins are smaller than standard pickles, making them a good option when a milder flavour is desired. They can be sliced thin for sandwiches and crackers or chopped into salads for a crunchy texture and tangy taste. Gherkins can also be paired with specific types of cheese to enhance the flavour of both the gherkin and the cheese. Some popular cheese pairings include sharp cheddar, feta, havarti, gouda, and brie.
To make homemade gherkin pickles, one can follow a simple recipe using fresh, firm baby cucumbers. The cucumbers are soaked in a saltwater solution overnight to draw out excess moisture and create a firmer texture. The next day, spices such as peppercorns and pickling spice are added to the bottom of clean pint jars, and the cucumbers are placed inside. The jars are then filled with a vinegar brine, sealed, and stored in the refrigerator for several months. Homemade gherkin pickles can be a delicious and unique addition to a charcuterie board.
In summary, gherkin pickles are small, immature cucumbers that are commonly used in charcuterie boards and pair well with a variety of meats and cheeses. Their tangy sweetness and crunchy texture make them a popular ingredient in many dishes, and they can also be enjoyed as a snack or garnish. Homemade gherkin pickles are easy to prepare and can be a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.
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Frequently asked questions
Gherkins are small, immature cucumbers that are pickled in vinegar or brine. They are known for their crunchy texture and mildly tangy and sweet flavour.
Yes, gherkin pickles are commonly used on cheese boards. They are a great way to add a tangy and sweet flavour to the board and pair well with a variety of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, feta, havarti, gouda, and brie.
Gherkin pickles are versatile and can be used in many different ways. They can be chopped and added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps, providing a crunchy and tangy element. They can also be sliced thin for burgers, or even used as a garnish for cocktails.
