What’s a Cornichons? Everything you need to know

Are you wondering what are Cornichons?

You came to the right place!

Cornichons (pronounced COR-nee-shons) are basically small pickles.

They come from a few types of small-growing gherkin plants that’s picked when they’re young because as they grow more, the pimply nubbins become sharp spikes. Although they are similar to cucumbers, they are not true cucumbers. It’s probably pretty difficult to find this particular type of small cucumber in markets in the US, but if you want to grow your own, these varieties are commonly used in France. They are minuscule sour French pickles. They are made with mini gherkin cucumbers usually one to two inches in length and harvest long before reaching full maturity for that extra tart bite!

Cornichon

What is the difference? Cornichons vs. Gherkin

Basically Cornichons are pickled gherkins. Here’s a look at their individual definitions:

cor·ni·chon
/ˈkôrnəˌSHän/
noun
  1. a small pickled cucumber.
    “a duck terrine with lentil salad and cornichons”
    ———————————-
gher·kin
/ˈɡərkən/
noun
  1. 1.
    the small green fruit of a plant related to the cucumber, used for pickling.
  2. 2.
    the trailing plant that bears gherkins.

 

Buying Cornichons

Since living in the Los Angeles area, generally I go to my local Trader Joe’s to purchase these. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near your home, can try your local specialty store. It really depends on where you are from.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that there is a building in London named The Gherkin after its similar shape?

Gherkin London

Looking for more information? Feel free to contact me anytime!

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