H/T Gourmet Sleuth.
One of my friends mother in law made some of the best Chow-chow I have ever tasted.
I have used my grandmothers recipe to make relish she also made Piccalilli but she never wrote down the recipe.
I also have had Chutney I like it.
The Condiment
In the U.S. vocabulary the word relish refers to condiment which normally contains vinegar, salt and sugar. The condiment might also contain chopped fruits or vegetables such as a “pickle relish”. The word “relish” first appeared in English in 1798 and comes from the word “reles” which means in Old French, “something remaining”.
To the British the term relish refers to a thick pickle or sauce which includes vinegar.
Relishes probably came about out of a desire to preserve vegetables from the home garden for use during the winter months when no fresh produce was available.
Condiment v.s. Relish
Technically a relish is a “highly flavored condiment” (Alan Davidson). Although the distinction can be slim a condiment is normally taken in a small amount such as mustard on a hot dog. A relish on the other hand may be eaten by the mouthful in conjunction with a a main food such as chutney with a meat. It is unlikely that someone would be inclined to eat a spoonful of mustard.
Types Of Relish
- Chow-chow – An American term first used in the mid 19th century and refers to a mixture of pickled mixed vegetables in mustard. The origins are Chinese and the relish was a combination of orange peel, ginger combined along with assorted other ingredients put up in a syrup. One publication from 1837 suggests the original recipe was for “Yellow Pickle, or Axe-Jar”.
- Piccalilli – Distinguished as a ‘sour pickle relish’ usually made with sour pickles and other vegetables such as cabbage, onions, green peppers, green tomatoes, celery, sugar, seasonings and vinegar. This was obviously a recipe for using and preserving garden vegetables.
- Chutney – from the Hindu word catni, was thought to have been introduced to America by schooner captains plying the spice trade. (American Heritage Cookbook)
- Pickle Relish – Frequently made with sweet pickles, bell peppers, onion but sometimes found in dill versions. Probably the most commonly found commercial relish in the U.S.
| Chow Chow | Piccalilli | Chutney | Pickle Relish |
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The piccalilli and chow-chow images are from Blyers Relish House. These traditional hand made relishes are available online at Blyers Relish House.
What Relish To Serve With What?
Here are some tips on matching the right relish with the right food.
| Chow Chow | Piccalilli | Chutney | Pickle Relish |
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