Cornichon vs. Pickle — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
A cornichon is a small, tart pickle made from gherkin cucumbers, while a pickle can be any cucumber preserved in a vinegar or brine solution.
Difference Between Cornichon and Pickle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cornichons are specifically made from tiny gherkin cucumbers, harvested before they are fully grown, to ensure a crisp texture and tart flavor. Whereas pickles can be made from any size of cucumber and can vary greatly in flavor from sweet to sour, depending on the pickling solution used.
The size and taste of cornichons set them apart; they are typically no larger than a pinky finger and have a distinctly tart and slightly sweet taste. On the other hand, pickles come in a range of sizes and flavors, including the large, often sweet or dill-flavored varieties common in American cuisine.
Cornichons are commonly used in French cuisine, often served as a garnish with pâtés, meats, and cheese platters. Pickles, however, are incredibly versatile and used worldwide in various dishes, from being a key ingredient in hamburgers to serving as a standalone snack.
In terms of culinary use, cornichons are rarely altered from their original form and are enjoyed for their unique bite and flavor. Pickles might be sliced, chopped, or used whole and are common in a variety of culinary contexts from sandwiches to savory relishes.
Another distinction is in the pickling brine used. Cornichons are typically pickled with vinegar, tarragon, and often include small amounts of sugar and spices, enhancing their unique flavor profile. In contrast, pickles can be brined in solutions ranging from sweet to very salty, including a variety of spices like dill, garlic, and mustard seeds.
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Comparison Chart
Cucumber Type
Small gherkin cucumbers, harvested early
Any type of cucumber
Flavor
Tart and slightly sweet
Ranges from sweet to sour
Size
Very small, no larger than a pinky finger
Varies from small slices to large whole cucumbers
Common Use
Garnish in French cuisine
Versatile, used in various global dishes
Pickling Ingredients
Vinegar, tarragon, some sugar and spices
Wide range of vinegars and spices
Cultural Association
Predominantly French
Used globally across many cultures
Compare with Definitions
Cornichon
Small pickled gherkins known for their crisp texture.
Cornichons are essential in a classic French tartare sauce.
Pickle
Cucumbers preserved in a vinegar or brine solution.
She packed a pickle in her lunch for a crunchy snack.
Cornichon
French-style pickles included in gourmet dishes.
He garnished the smoked salmon with slices of cornichon.
Pickle
A versatile culinary item used in many types of dishes.
He added chopped pickles to the potato salad for extra flavor.
Cornichon
A type of pickle distinguished by its tartness and size.
Cornichons pair well with rich, fatty meats.
Pickle
A preserved vegetable that can vary in flavor and size.
Pickles are a popular topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Cornichon
Bite-sized pickles that complement strong flavors.
Cornichons cut through the richness of the pâté perfectly.
Pickle
Any pickled cucumber, often served as a condiment or side.
The diner serves a side of pickles with every sandwich.
Cornichon
A tiny, tart pickle made from young gherkin cucumbers.
The chef added cornichons to the charcuterie board for a tangy contrast.
Pickle
Commonly found in various cuisines around the world.
Pickles are an integral part of Indian meals, offering spicy and tangy flavors.
Cornichon
A small pickled cucumber
A duck terrine with lentil salad and cornichons
Pickle
A relish consisting of vegetables or fruit preserved in vinegar or brine
Cheese and pickle
Assorted pickles
Cornichon
A crisp, sour pickle made from a small cucumber.
Pickle
A difficult situation
I am in a pickle
Cornichon
A dill-pickled gherkin cucumber.
Pickle
Used as an affectionate form of address to a mischievous child
‘All right, me pickle’, said Dad
Cornichon
A French-style pickled miniature cucumber.
Pickle
An acid solution for cleaning metal objects.
Pickle
Preserve (food or other perishable items) in vinegar or brine
Fish pickled in brine
Pickle
Immerse (a metal object) in an acid or other chemical solution for cleaning
The steel sheet is first pickled in acid to remove all oxides
Pickle
An edible product, such as a cucumber, that has been preserved and flavored in a solution of brine or vinegar.
Pickle
A solution of brine or vinegar, often spiced, for preserving and flavoring food.
Pickle
A chemical solution, such as an acid, that is used as a bath to remove scale and oxides from the surface of metals before plating or finishing.
Pickle
(Informal) A disagreeable or troublesome situation; a plight.
Pickle
(Baseball) A rundown.
Pickle
To preserve or flavor (food) in a solution of brine or vinegar.
Pickle
To treat (metal) in a chemical bath.
Pickle
A cucumber preserved in a solution, usually a brine or a vinegar syrup.
A pickle goes well with a hamburger.
Pickle
Any vegetable preserved in vinegar and consumed as relish.
Pickle
A sweet, vinegary pickled chutney popular in Britain.
Pickle
The brine used for preserving food.
This tub is filled with the pickle that we will put the small cucumbers into.
Pickle
(informal) A difficult situation; peril.
The climber found himself in a pickle when one of the rocks broke off.
Pickle
(affectionate) A mildly mischievous loved one.
Pickle
(baseball) A rundown.
Jones was caught in a pickle between second and third.
Pickle
(uncountable) A children’s game with three participants that emulates a baseball rundown
The boys played pickle in the front yard for an hour.
Pickle
(slang) A penis.
Pickle
(slang) A pipe for smoking methamphetamine.
Load some shards in that pickle.
Pickle
(metalworking) A bath of dilute sulphuric or nitric acid, etc., to remove burnt sand, scale, rust, etc., from the surface of castings, or other articles of metal, or to brighten them or improve their colour.
Pickle
In an optical landing system, the hand-held controller connected to the lens, or apparatus on which the lights are mounted.
Pickle
A kernel; a grain (of salt, sugar, etc.)
Pickle
A small or indefinite quantity or amount (of something); a little, a bit, a few. Usually in partitive construction, frequently without "of"; a single grain or kernel of wheat, barley, oats, sand or dust.
Pickle
To preserve food (or sometimes other things) in a salt, sugar or vinegar solution.
We pickled the remainder of the crop.
These cucumbers pickle very well.
Pickle
(transitive) To remove high-temperature scale and oxidation from metal with heated (often sulphuric) industrial acid.
The crew will pickle the fittings in the morning.
Pickle
To serialize.
Pickle
(historical) To pour brine over a person after flogging them, as a method of punishment.
Pickle
To eat sparingly.
Pickle
To pilfer.
Pickle
See Picle.
Pickle
A solution of salt and water, in which fish, meat, etc., may be preserved or corned; brine.
Pickle
Any article of food which has been preserved in brine or in vinegar.
Pickle
A bath of dilute sulphuric or nitric acid, etc., to remove burnt sand, scale rust, etc., from the surface of castings, or other articles of metal, or to brighten them or improve their color.
Pickle
A troublesome child; as, a little pickle.
Pickle
To preserve or season in pickle; to treat with some kind of pickle; as, to pickle herrings or cucumbers.
Pickle
To give an antique appearance to; - said of copies or imitations of paintings by the old masters.
Pickle
Vegetables (especially cucumbers) preserved in brine or vinegar
Pickle
Informal terms for a difficult situation;
He got into a terrible fix
He made a muddle of his marriage
Pickle
Preserve in a pickling liquid
Common Curiosities
What makes a cornichon different from a regular pickle?
Cornichons are made from small gherkin cucumbers and have a distinctively tart and slightly sweet flavor.
Can you substitute a pickle for a cornichon in recipes?
While possible, the unique taste of cornichons may not be fully replicated by larger, less tart pickles.
Are cornichons healthier than regular pickles?
Both have similar health benefits, being low in calories and containing probiotics, but their nutritional value can vary based on the pickling solution.
What types of pickles are there besides cornichons?
There are many types, including dill pickles, sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, and many others tailored to different tastes and dishes.
How long can you store cornichons and pickles?
Both can be stored for several months if kept in properly sealed containers and refrigerated after opening.
Can you make pickles at home?
Yes, homemade pickling is a popular practice and can be done with various recipes and cucumbers.
Why are cornichons popular in French cuisine?
Their tart flavor complements rich, fatty dishes typical in French cuisine, such as pâtés and cheeses.
Are cornichons and pickles good for digestion?
Yes, the vinegar and probiotics in pickles and cornichons can aid in digestion.
What is the best way to serve pickles?
Pickles can be served in numerous ways, from slices in sandwiches to whole as a side.
How do you choose the best cornichons?
Look for ones that are firm with a bright, clear brine without any cloudiness.
Can diabetics eat cornichons or pickles?
In moderation, both can be a part of a diabetic diet, but it's important to check for added sugars, especially in sweet pickles.
Are there any cultural festivals that feature pickles or cornichons prominently?
Yes, pickle festivals occur in various countries, celebrating the cultural significance and variety of pickled foods.
How do the flavors of cornichons and pickles compare?
Cornichons are notably tart and slightly sweet, while pickles can range widely from very sour to very sweet, depending on their pickling brine.
What dishes are improved by adding cornichons?
Dishes like tartare, rillettes, and roasted meats are enhanced by the tartness of cornichons.
What's the difference in pickling spices between cornichons and regular pickles?
Cornichons often use tarragon and sometimes sugar, while pickles may use a variety of spices, including dill and mustard seeds.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
