The primary distinction between pickle and chutney is that pickle generally contains whole or large pieces of fruits and vegetables, while chutney has smaller pieces of fruits and vegetables. Pickle refers to vegetables or fruits that have been preserved in vinegar or saltwater for an extended period, resulting in a strong, sharp taste. Chutney, on the other hand, is a spicy Indian condiment made from fruits or vegetables combined with vinegar, spices, and sugar. Although many people consider pickle and chutney to be the same type of preserve, there is a distinct difference between these two. Pickling is the process used to create pickles, whereas slow cooking is used to make chutneys. Both of these methods involve preserving perishable food, such as fruits and vegetables.
Key Takeaways
- Pickle typically includes whole or large pieces of fruits and vegetables, while chutney has smaller pieces of fruits and vegetables.
- Pickling is the process used to create pickles, whereas slow cooking is used to make chutneys.
- Both pickle and chutney are methods of preserving perishable food, such as fruits and vegetables, and have a strong, sharp taste.
What is Pickle?
Pickle is a food created through the process of pickling. Pickling is the method of preserving (extending the lifespan) of a fruit or vegetable through anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. Although the pickling process extends the lifespan of the food, it affects the texture and taste of the food. Foods that can be pickled include fruits, vegetables, and even meat.
Pickles typically consist of raw and whole vegetables/fruits. They may also contain sugar, honey, herbs, and spices such as ginger and cloves. Some types of pickles, such as sweet pickles, do not include whole fruits or vegetables but do contain larger pieces of vegetables.
It is essential to note that in the USA, the word “pickle” specifically refers to pickled cucumber. Furthermore, pickled food is popular worldwide, and different cultures have various types of pickles unique to them. Examples include Kimchi (South Korea), takuan (Eastern Asia), giardiniera (Italy), and acar (Southeast Asia).
What is Chutney?
Chutney is a spicy Indian condiment made from fruits or vegetables combined with vinegar, spices, and sugar. In India, chutneys are served with almost every meal. Their taste can range from sweet to sour to spicy or a combination of any of these. Meanwhile, their texture may be chunky or thin. Chutneys may include a wide range of ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. The ingredients (i.e., fruits and vegetables) in a chutney are typically cut into small pieces, and the mixture is cooked for a long time.
Although chutneys are often associated with India, they are also popular dishes in Africa and the Caribbean islands. Popular fruit chutneys include mango, pear, apricot, fig, cranberry, apple, peach, pineapple, and plum, while popular vegetable chutneys include tomatoes, eggplant, and onion.
What are the Similarities Between Pickle and Chutney?
Pickle and chutney are made with fruits and vegetables.
They give fruits and vegetables a long lifespan.
Both have a strong and sharp taste.
What is the Difference Between Pickle and Chutney?
Pickle refers to vegetables or fruit, sometimes cut into pieces, which have been kept in vinegar or salt water for a long time so that they have a strong, sharp taste. Chutney, on the other hand, is a spicy condiment of Indian origin, made of fruits or vegetables with vinegar, spices, and sugar. Pickle contains whole fruits and vegetables or larger pieces, while chutney contains small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Thus, the latter has a comparatively smooth consistency than the former. This is the main difference between pickle and chutney.
Moreover, the process of pickling includes marinating the fruit or vegetable in brine or vinegar. In contrast, chutneys are typically cooked for a long time.
Summary – Pickle vs Chutney
Both pickle and chutney help to preserve perishable fruits and vegetables. However, they are two distinct dishes. The difference between pickle and chutney depends on their cooking method and consistency.
