Gherkin vs. Cornichon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Gherkins are small cucumbers often pickled and eaten as condiments, while cornichons are specifically tart French pickles made from gherkin cucumbers.
Difference Between Gherkin and Cornichon
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Key Differences
Gherkins are a type of small cucumber, usually harvested before reaching full size for pickling purposes. Cornichons, on the other hand, are a particular variety of gherkins that are picked even smaller and are known for their tart and crunchy nature, typically found in French cuisine.
While gherkins can be sweet or sour depending on the pickling process, cornichons are distinctly sour or tart because of the vinegar used in the pickling solution. Gherkins might be found in a variety of pickling styles across different cuisines, cornichons are traditionally French and almost exclusively pickled in a tart brine.
In terms of usage, gherkins are often used in burgers and sandwiches or chopped up in tartar sauce, providing a sweet or tangy crunch. Cornichons are typically served as a condiment alongside pâté, ham, or other charcuterie, offering a sharp contrast to rich and savory flavors.
The size of the pickles is also a differentiating factor; gherkins can vary in size but are generally larger than cornichons. Cornichons are characteristically tiny, about the size of a pinky finger, making them a dainty addition to a dish or a platter.
Gherkins are more ubiquitous in the pickle world and can be adapted to a variety of recipes. Cornichons remain a staple in French cuisine and are less likely to be found in non-traditional dishes.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
General term for pickled cucumbers
Specifically French in origin
Size
Can vary, but generally larger
Very small, typically no longer than 2 inches
Flavor
Can be sweet or sour
Predominantly sour or tart
Usage
Used globally, versatile in dishes
Often used in French cuisine, especially with meats
Pickling Brine
Varies widely
Traditionally tart with herbs and vinegar
Compare with Definitions
Gherkin
A pickled cucumber served as a condiment.
Gherkins are essential for a classic relish tray.
Cornichon
A tiny, tart French pickle.
Cornichons are my favorite accompaniment to cheese.
Gherkin
Any of various small cucumbers, sweet or sour.
I prefer sweet gherkins with my sandwiches.
Cornichon
A small, sour condiment in French cuisine.
The charcuterie board featured meats, cheeses, and cornichons.
Gherkin
A term sometimes used interchangeably with pickles.
He grabbed a jar of gherkins from the grocery shelf.
Cornichon
A pickled gherkin cucumber with a sour flavor.
She served cornichons at the picnic as a tangy snack.
Gherkin
A small cucumber used for pickling.
She added sliced gherkins to her salad for extra crunch.
Cornichon
The French word for a type of mini pickle.
He preferred the crunch of a cornichon to a softer pickle.
Gherkin
The small green fruit of a plant related to the cucumber, used for pickling.
Cornichon
A traditional garnish for pâté and terrines.
Cornichons add a necessary acidity to rich dishes.
Gherkin
The trailing plant that bears gherkins.
Cornichon
A crisp, sour pickle made from a small cucumber.
Gherkin
A small cucumber, especially one used for pickling.
Cornichon
A small pickled cucumber
A duck terrine with lentil salad and cornichons
Gherkin
A pickle made from such a fruit.
Cornichon
A dill-pickled gherkin cucumber.
Gherkin
A vine (Cucumis anguria) native to Africa and widely cultivated especially in the West Indies, having prickly fruit often harvested when immature for pickling.
Cornichon
A French-style pickled miniature cucumber.
Gherkin
The fruit of this plant.
Gherkin
A small cucumber, often pickled whole.
Gherkin
(slang) The penis.
Gherkin
A kind of small, prickly cucumber, much used for pickles.
Gherkin
See Sea gherkin.
Gherkin
Any of various small cucumbers pickled whole
Gherkin
Small prickly cucumber
Gherkin
A small, green pickled vegetable eaten whole.
Her burger was topped with a layer of gherkins.
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in the pickling process for gherkins and cornichons?
Yes, cornichons are pickled with tart vinegar and herbs, while gherkins can have a variety of pickling brines.
What makes a cornichon different from a regular pickle?
Cornichons are a specific French variety, very small in size, and known for their tartness.
Can you substitute gherkins for cornichons in recipes?
While possible, it may alter the intended flavor profile due to differences in taste and size.
What size are gherkins?
Gherkins vary in size but are typically larger than cornichons.
Are cornichons always sour?
Yes, cornichons are known for their consistent tart and sour flavor.
Can gherkins be eaten fresh?
Typically, gherkins are eaten pickled rather than fresh.
What is a gherkin?
A gherkin is a small, pickled cucumber commonly used as a condiment.
Are cornichons only used in French cooking?
Cornichons are traditionally French but are used internationally in various cuisines.
What dishes are gherkins commonly found in?
Gherkins are often found in sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Are sweet gherkins different from regular gherkins?
Yes, they are sweeter due to the pickling solution used.
Can gherkins be part of a healthy diet?
In moderation, as they can be high in sodium.
Do cornichons contain any herbs or spices?
Yes, they often contain herbs like tarragon and spices such as mustard seeds.
Are gherkins and cornichons interchangeable in a charcuterie board?
They can be, but cornichons are preferred for their traditional French flavor profile.
How are cornichons served in French cuisine?
They are often served alongside meats, pâtés, and cheeses.
Why are cornichons so small?
They are picked at a young stage to ensure a crisp texture.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
