Pickles & Chutneys

Pickles and chutneys are preparations of fruits and vegetables, alone or in combination, preserved in spiced vinegar. They range in flavor from sour to sweet; darker, spicier chutneys tend to be more concentrated. Pickles are usually eaten alone or as a condiment with dishes of cheese, meat and fish. Coarse-textured chutney, (lime or mango), often accompanies curry. A vinegar-pickled combination of chopped vegetables and fruit is often called a relish, for example, British piccalilli.

Fruit and vegetables for pickling should be firm and young; small varieties are best for pickling whole. Cauliflower florets, baby onions, beets, cucumbers and gherkins and shredded cabbage all make good pickles.