Gherkin vs Pickle (Differences, Tastes, Nutrition, Benefits and More)
on Feb 24, 2022
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There’s nothing quite like the salty, sour snap of a juicy pickle. Whether you eat them straight out of the jar, or on burgers or deli sandwiches, they’re full of tangy flavor. Depending on where you live, you may refer to these delicious gems as pickles or gherkins, but are they the same thing?
It can be a bit confusing but in North America, a cucumber that’s been pickled is simply called a pickle, and a gherkin is a particular type of baby pickle.
Now, if you hop on a plane and land in England, a gherkin is the word commonly used for pickle! No matter where you live, let’s agree that pickled cucumbers are a tasty addition to some of our favorite savory foods. Let’s take a closer look at gherkin vs pickle.
What is a Gherkin?
Generally speaking, a gherkin is a small cucumber that has been pickled in vinegar or in brine with different flavorings. Coming from the Dutch word ‘gurken’, it translates to ‘small pickled cucumber’ in English. The word gherkin is commonly used in Britain, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
What is a Pickle?
In the USA and Canada, a pickle is the word used to describe a small cucumber that has been pickled in vinegar or in a brine with different flavorings. In addition to the tart and crispy vegetable, an informal use of the word ‘pickle’ can also mean that someone is in a messy or difficult situation.
Why Do Brits Call Pickles Gherkins?
Sometimes British English can be much more precise than North American English. The use of the word gherkin is a good example. In Britain, pickle means something entirely different from a pickled cucumber; it refers to a style of sweet, vinegary chutneys.
Is a Gherkin Different from a Pickled Cucumber?
It can be, depending on where you live. In Britain, a gherkin is pretty much the same thing as what North Americans call pickles. However, in North America, you may find a specific type of small bumpy brined cucumbers labeled as gherkins.
Does McDonalds Use Pickles or Gherkins?
The answer might depend on where the McDonalds is located. In North America, McDonalds uses ‘pickle slices’ on their online ingredient list, while a quick peek at their UK website shows ‘dill pickle slices’.
Are Gherkins Sweet or Dill-Flavored?
Similar to the pickles we have in North America, gherkins are typically flavored with garlic and dill, but they can also be made sweet by adding sugar to the brine. In North America, sweet pickles are sometimes referred to as bread and butter pickles.
Differences Between Gherkins and Pickles
- Size and Shape: Gherkins are smaller than the typical cucumbers used for pickles.
- Taste: The flavor of pickles and gherkins is quite similar, although some feel that dill pickles have more of a sour taste compared to gherkins flavored with dill.
- Nutrition: The nutrition profile of gherkins and pickles is similar. Both are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories, and very high in sodium, and are high in potassium, vitamin A and vitamin K.
- Texture: Gherkins tend to be bumpier and crunchier than pickles.
- The Usage: Both pickles and gherkins are often eaten as a side dish or served with sandwiches, hot dogs and burgers. Gherkins have started to appear in salads, soups, and stir fries, and because of their small size, in some cocktail recipes.
Gherkin vs Cornichon
A cornichon is a tart French pickle made from gherkins. It is flavored with tarragon and traditionally served with deli meats and pâtés.
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Gherkin vs Pickle (+Easy Gherkin Recipe)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to brine the gherkins in an overnight solution:
- 2 tbsp canning salt
- 1 cup water
- tiny cucumbers, 1-3 inches in length
The gherkins are stored in a flavored brine. You’ll need the following per pint jar:
- 12 whole peppercorns
- ½ tsp pickling spice
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp canning salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of salt to one cup of water and heat just until the salt has dissolved. Submerge the tiny cucumbers, placing a heavy object on top so they remain in the water if needed. Let them soak overnight.
- Add the peppercorns and pickling spice to a pint size mason jar.
- Drain the cucumbers and pack them into the canning jars.
- In a small saucepan add the tablespoon of canning salt to a cup of vinegar and bring to a boil.
- Pour the brine over the pickles, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar. Add the lid and ring and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Gherkins are best left to sit for 2 weeks before eating.
- For Canning: process in a hot water bath canner for 10 minutes.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
