Feed the Gherkin to the Meat
Most people have pretty strong opinions of gherkins. In fact, they're kinda like Marmite – you either love gherkins, or you're one of those people that slings them out of their McDonald's burgers quicker than you can say, "Ewwwwwwwww."
I'm personally a HUGE fans of gherkins, but I have to admit that, despite my love of those bumpy little fellas, up until now I've not been 100% sure what they are.
So, let's go on a journey together to find out what gherkins are, if they're the same as American pickles, and where cucumbers come into it. Maybe we'll even take a pitstop in Cornichon Town.
What is a gherkin?
A gherkin is a small variety of a cucumber that's been pickled. It's a little cucumber that's been pickled in a brine, vinegar, or other solution and left to ferment for a period of time. Is it just me, or does the word "ferment" almost put you off gherkins? Almost…
Gherkin meaning
In case you want to know what the specific meaning of a gherkin is, according to the Oxford Dictionary, it is: "The small green fruit of a plant related to the cucumber, used for pickling."
Are gherkins good for you?
Gherkins are good for you. Not only because eating vegetables like gherkins are a great way of getting vitamins and minerals into your diet, but they're also incredibly low in fat. Plus, we spoke to Nick Vadasz aka The Pickle Man, and the brains behind pickle and ferment company, Vadasz, and he told us that there are a ton of health benefits when it comes to eating pickles, and Nick is keen for everyone to know this.
"Pickling in vinegar preserves some goodness in vegetables so that both then and now people can get those valuable vitamins and minerals even during the winter months. The real added value is with fermented pickles, which are filled with so called healthy bacteria from the lactobacillus family of bacteria. Research suggests that these bacteria dominate and help to create a healthier environment in the gut, which in turn allows the absorption of health promoting vitamins and minerals more easily."
What is the difference between a gherkin and a pickle?
The only difference is really where you live. In America, they call gherkins pickles, even though a pickle is technically any vegetable that's been pickled. But you'll have to speak to all of America about that – it's nothing to do with me.
Is a gherkin a cucumber?
Yes and no. A gherkin isn't simply a cucumber you'd buy in the supermarket that's been pickled. It's a specific variety of small cucumber that is purposely used for pickling aka turning into a gherkin. You can pickle a regular cucumber, but it won't turn out exactly like a gherkin.
How to make gherkins
Did you know that gherkins are ridiculously easy to make? So, what's stopping you making your own gherkins at home?!
Ingredients:
- 450 g Kirby or Persian cucumbers
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 large sprigs fresh dill
- 240 ml water
- 180 ml white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. salt
Directions:
- Trim ends from cucumbers and slice into spears. Pack into 2 glass jars along with garlic and dill.
- Make brine: in a small saucepan, combine water, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stir until salt is dissolved, and remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour over cucumbers, seal jar, and shake. Let cool completely on the counter, then refrigerate until cold.
- Wait at least 2 hours to eat the pickles, but the longer you wait, the more flavourful they'll be. If you can, try waiting 24 hours.
What are cornichons?
Cornichons are a very small variety of cucumber that's been pickled. Like gherkins only smaller. You'll usually find them served with smoked fish and meat, and they are tasty little blighters.
Gherkin recipes
We have tons of exciting recipes made using gherkins here at Delish. Although, because a lot of the recipes come from our dear friends over at Delish USA, you may see the word 'pickle' more commonly used. But be sure that when we say 'pickle', that means 'gherkin'.
Pickles In A Blanket
Pickle Guacamole
Pickle Sliders
Pickle-Brined Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Hamburger Soup
Bacon Pickle Pizza
Pickle Cheesecake
Gin & Tonic Pickles
Oven-Fried Pickles
Fried Pickles
Dill Pickle Hummus
Dill Pickle Bread
This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Source: https://www.delish.com/uk/food-news/a33132270/what-is-a-gherkin/
0 Response to "Feed the Gherkin to the Meat"
Post a Comment