Buying Gherkins: Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pickle

From a quick snack with drinks to the crisp, tangy counterpoint on a hearty sandwich, the gherkin is an essential condiment in many cuisines. However, the selection is vast. Will you go for classic sweet and sour, spicy Asian-style, or traditional Turkish? And will you choose whole gherkins, strips, or tiny cocktail gherkins?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to guide you. In this overview, we'll highlight several popular choices and provide practical tips, so you can easily find the right jar of gherkins for your dish or occasion.

What to Look for When Choosing Gherkins?

The right gherkin can make or break a dish. With a few key points in mind, you can navigate the selection with ease.

1. Flavour Profile: From Sweet & Sour to Spicy

The flavour is determined by the liquid in which the pickled cucumber is preserved. Most people are familiar with the classic sweet and sour gherkins, a balance of vinegar and sugar. However, there are more flavours to discover. Some varieties, like Turkish gherkins, are often saltier and more sour due to the use of brine and garlic. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a spicy cucumber in an Asian style is an interesting option, often flavoured with chilli and spices.

2. Shape and Size: A Different Gherkin for Every Use

The shape of the gherkin is not just for appearance; it's also practical. Gherkin strips are ready to use on hamburgers, hot dogs, or in salads. Small, whole cocktail gherkins are ideal as gherkins for appetisers, served on a pick with a cube of cheese. Larger, whole gherkins can be sliced as desired or simply eaten straight from the jar.

3. Ingredients: The Details Make the Difference

The base is often gherkin, water, vinegar, and salt, but the additions define the character. Classic recipes often include mustard seed, dill, and onion. Other varieties may contain garlic, bell pepper, or a mix of herbs. Pay attention to the ingredients list if you're looking for a specific flavour or have allergies.

Top Product Recommendations

Based on product specifications and versatility, we've rounded up a few interesting options for you.

Kesbeke Amsterdam Gherkin Strips - 550 ml

Why it stands out: Kesbeke is an Amsterdam institution, renowned for its traditional pickling methods. According to the brand, the gherkins are cleaned and hand-packed immediately after harvesting, which contributes to their quality.

Pros:

• Convenience: The gherkins are already cut into strips, ready to use.
• Classic Flavour: A familiar sweet and sour taste that is widely appreciated.
• Ingredients: Flavoured with mustard seed, dill, bell pepper, and onion.

Who is it for?: Ideal for fans of classic Dutch cuisine. Perfect on an ossenworst sandwich, in a salad, or as a hamburger topping.

View Kesbeke Gherkin Strips

Chaoyouwei Cucumber Spicy Flavour - 125g

Why it stands out: This product offers a completely different flavour profile. It's a spicy cucumber in Hunan style, a famous cuisine from China. A crunchy texture combined with chilli and traditional spices.

Pros:

• Unique Flavour: A spicy and savoury taste that differs from European varieties.
• Ready to Eat: Packaged as a ready-to-eat snack or side dish.
• Adventurous: A great choice for those who enjoy trying new flavours from Asian cuisine.

Who is it for?: For the adventurous eater looking for a spicy and umami-rich side dish. Delicious with rice dishes, noodles, or as a standalone snack.

View Chaoyouwei Spicy Cucumber

g'woon Sweet and Sour Cocktail Gherkins - 320 g

Why it stands out: These cocktail gherkins from g'woon are a practical and accessible choice for everyday use and parties. The small, crunchy gherkins have a recognisable sweet and sour flavour.

Pros:

• Perfect for Appetisers: The small size makes them ideal for a snack platter.
• Approachable Flavour: The mild, sweet and sour taste is a favourite with a wide audience, including children.
• Versatile: Great for skewers, in salads, or as a quick snack.

Who is it for?: For families and anyone hosting a party. A reliable choice that appeals to many.

View g'woon Cocktail Gherkins

Sera Turkish Pickles (Salatalik Tursusu) - 680 g

Why it stands out: These Turkish pickles, or tursu, offer an authentic Mediterranean flavour. They are pickled in a more sour and salty liquid, often with added garlic, which gives them a distinct character.

Pros:

• Crisp Texture: These pickles are known for their firm bite.
• Sharp & Sour Flavour: Less sweet and more sour than the Dutch variety, with a clear garlic note.
• Large Jar: The 680-gram packaging is convenient for bulk users or for a meze dinner.

Who is it for?: Lovers of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Excellent as a side dish (meze), in salads, on a d?ner kebab sandwich, or with grilled meats.

View Sera Turkish Pickles

Want to Discover More Flavours?

The world of pickled vegetables is bigger than you think. Are you looking for a different variety, a specific brand, or do you just want to browse?

View our full range of gherkins & pickled vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between gherkins and cucumbers?

Gherkins are a specific, small variety of cucumber grown especially for pickling. They are smaller, firmer, and have a thinner skin than the salad cucumbers we eat fresh. The term pickled cucumber is also sometimes used, especially for varieties from other cuisines.

How long do gherkins last after opening?

An opened jar of gherkins can typically be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks to months. Make sure the gherkins remain fully submerged in the liquid and always use clean utensils to take one out of the jar. The exact shelf-life information is on the packaging.

Are there sugar-free gherkins?

Yes, there are varieties that are sweetened with sweeteners instead of sugar, or that contain no sweetener at all and are pickled purely in vinegar and salt. The Kesbeke gherkins in this overview, for example, use the sweetener saccharin. Always check the ingredients list on the packaging for specific dietary requirements.