What’s the difference between chutney and pickle?
You may be forgiven for thinking that chutneys and pickles are much the same thing, but with a different name. Only when you begin delving into the ingredients, flavours, consistencies, preparation processes and origins of each, do their differences emerge. Once you know the differences you really start to appreciate what makes them both such wonderful accompaniments for so many dishes.
What is chutney?
It’s thought that the earliest versions of chutney originated in India over 1500 years ago, though having travelled the globe, collecting a twist in every country to suit local tastes, the original recipe has most certainly been modified in its present day namesakes.
In those early days it was an ideal way of preserving autumn harvest surpluses. As for the ingredients, today these consist of pieces of fruits and/or vegetables, with added vinegar, spices and sugar to help preservation. These are then cooked slowly and gently until they form a jam-like consistency, though the thickness will depend on the ingredients used.
Why not delve into our wonderful world of crafted Chutneys and experience the variety of flavours we have to offer.
What is pickle?
The practice of pickling originated in ancient Mesopotamia some 4000 years ago when cucumbers were pickled in the Tigris Valley as early as 2030 BCE. It seems the English term “pickle” first appears around 1400 CE borrowed from the Middle Dutch or German ‘pekel’ (brine), which later referred to the vinegar food was preserved in.
So, the whole point of pickling is to preserve various foods like vegetables, usually whole, maintaining their crunchiness and making them such wonderfully tangy, tart partners for all manner of cold food and snacks.
Take your taste buds on an adventure and immerse yourself into our perfect range of Pickles.
What’s the difference between chutney and pickle?
Generally speaking, a pickle is a preparation with a thin consistency where whole fruits or vegetables are lightly cooked before being preserved in vinegar.
Pickles traditionally have a crunch to them, which goes beautifully with their sharp vinegary edge and makes them such a firm favourite to enliven cold foods such as ham or cheese sandwiches, scotch eggs and pork pies.
By contrast with pickles, a chutney is denser and more richly flavoured than a pickle where pieces of fruits or vegetables are cooked for long periods with vinegar and spices to bring out deeper and more intense flavours.
A generous spoonful of chutney is always a great partner for all kinds of cheese, salads, savoury tarts and quiches, but it’s also a spicy way to perk up casseroles, curries and chilli dishes.
Cottage Delight’s magical range of chutneys and pickles.
Crafted in small batches using carefully curated ingredients and traditional methods, our range of chutneys and pickles bring a world of unique and innovative flavours to cheese boards, casseroles, your favourite cold cuts or ham sandwiches.
A champion chutney for your cheese board? Our English Country Cider chutney is a great choice. We fill this jar to bursting with crunchy chunks of garden vegetables and a splash of proper country cider.
Elevate your curry night in with our Indian Mango Chutney. Made to an authentic Indian recipe, our mango chutney is created with chunky pieces of ripe mango and a delicate spice mix. Although it’s traditionally eaten with curries, why not try our delicious Easy Mango Chutney Chicken recipe.
The must-have addition to any Ploughman’s Lunch? Our beloved Traditional Farmhouse Pickle will add punchy to your favourite cold meats, liven up a cheese toastie or add flavour to homemade pastries. Try our delicious combination of pickle and cheesy scones with this simple recipe.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF
Take a look at our chutneys and pickles
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