Gherkin: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
gherkin
[หษกษห.kษชn ]
Definitions
pickled cucumbers
A gherkin is a small variety of cucumber that is typically pickled in vinegar or brine. Gherkins are often used as a condiment or as a snack.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gherkin |
Commonly used in British English to refer to small pickled cucumbers.
|
| pickle |
Refers broadly to any vegetable or fruit that has been preserved in vinegar or brine, but often used for pickled cucumbers in American English.
|
| cucumber |
Used to refer to the fresh vegetable, typically in salads or as a snack.
|
Examples of usage
- The sandwich was topped with slices of gherkin.
- She enjoyed eating gherkins straight out of the jar.
British English
In British English, a gherkin refers to a small, sweet variety of cucumber. These gherkins are often used in salads or as a side dish.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gherkin |
This word is commonly used in British English to refer to small cucumbers that are typically pickled in vinegar or brine.
|
| cucumber |
This term is universally used for the fresh, green vegetable that is often eaten raw in salads or sandwiches.
|
| pickle |
This word generally refers to cucumbers that have been pickled, often used in American English. It can also refer to other vegetables that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. It may have a negative connotation when referring to a difficult situation ('in a pickle').
|
Examples of usage
- She added diced gherkins to the potato salad.
- The burger was served with a side of gherkins.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'gherkin' comes from the Dutch word 'gurken', which means 'cucumber'.
- This little vegetable is sometimes called a 'cornichon' in French, referring to its pickled form.
- The name has roots tracing back to the Middle Ages when cucumbers were first cultivated in Europe.
Culinary Uses
- Gherkins are popular in various cuisines, often found in sandwiches, salads, and as a staple in charcuterie boards.
- They are commonly used to make tartar sauce, enhancing flavors in dishes like fish and chips.
- In Germany, gherkins are traditionally served with sausages and can be a key ingredient in potato salads.
Pop Culture
- Gherkins often appear in cartoons and films as the quintessential side for burgers and picnic scenes.
- There are even quirky songs and stories aimed at children that feature gherkins as fun characters.
- A popular social media trend involves people sharing creative recipes and challenges using gherkins, showcasing their versatility.
Health
- Low in calories and high in antioxidants, gherkins can be a healthy, crunchy snack option.
- Fermented gherkins contain probiotics, which can support digestion and gut health.
- They are a source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and proper blood clotting.
Farming & Agriculture
- Gherkins are typically harvested when they are still immature, leading to their small size and crunchy texture.
- They're cultivated in many countries, with pickling varieties especially grown in regions like Europe and North America.
- The process of pickling gherkins has been a part of global culinary tradition for centuries, preserving them for long-term use.
Translations
Translations of the word "gherkin" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pepino
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฐเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Essiggurke
๐ฎ๐ฉ mentimun
๐บ๐ฆ ะพะณััะพะบ
๐ต๐ฑ ogรณrek
๐ฏ๐ต ใญใฅใฆใช
๐ซ๐ท cornichon
๐ช๐ธ pepinillo
๐น๐ท salatalฤฑk
๐ฐ๐ท ์ค์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฎูุงุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ okurka
๐ธ๐ฐ uhorka
๐จ๐ณ ้ป็
๐ธ๐ฎ kumara
๐ฎ๐ธ gรบrka
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะธัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ xiyar
๐ฒ๐ฝ pepino
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,629, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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