Ah, the age-old question: What's the difference between chutney and pickles? Well, let us break it down for you the tastiest way we know how!

Let's start with chutney. Think of chutney as the fancy city-cousin of condiments. It's the one that went to culinary school and who's always trying new things and experimenting with different flavours. If Chutney was a clothing accessory, it would be a designer 'tres chic' handbag; Fancy and sophisticated like that friend who always has a sumptuous cheese platter at their parties.

In strict physical terms Chutney is a condiment (originating from India) made from a combination of fruits, vegetables, and spices. It can be sweet, sour, or savoury and and can change their flavour profile depending on the season or what's in season. It is often used as a dip or exotic flavoursome spread. 

Chutney comes in a wide variety of flavours and styles. At Quincey Jones Jelly Preserves we have a Mango Chutney, Sticky Chilli & Peach Chutney, Pear Chutney, Caramelised Fig & Ginger Chutney (Pictured) and Plum & Flaked Almond Chutney. We encourage you to read more about them and try them out via their links above.

Now, let's talk about pickles. Pickles are the down-to-earth, country-cousin of condiments. They're the one that's been hanging out in the garden all day and just wants to be eaten straight out of the jar with no fuss.

Pickles are cucumbers (or sometimes other vegetables) that have been soaked in a vinegar or brine solution. They are usually tangy and a bit salty, and are often eaten as a snack or as a side dish.

Perhaps pickles are somewhat like that old, grumpy uncle you have. They've been around for ages and have a certain sourness and bite to them, but you can't help but love them. 

At Quincey Jones Preserves we have a Bread & Butter Pickles, Za'atar Pickled Cauliflower, Green Tomato Pickles and Ploughmans Pickles. The first two of these are good example of simple classic pickles while the Green Tomato Pickles and Ploughman's Pickles are more complex and can be used as a spread on sandwiches, melts and grills (oh well every rule needs and exception to prove the rule). Ploughman's Pickle is in its own class and are a type of pickled condiment that originated in England. They typically consist of a variety of vegetables, such as onions, cauliflower, and carrots, that are pickled in vinegar and spices. They are often served as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches, particularly in a traditional Ploughman's lunch which usually include cheese, bread and pickles.

But then, how account for taste? 

Well, chutney is like a party in your mouth, with a variety of flavours busting the latest moves on your taste buds.

Pickles on the other hand, are like that one-hit wonder. A solo act, all about that one strong tangy flavour that your hooked on. Chutney is like a symphony, with a harmonious blend of flavours. Pickles are like that one hit wonder that you still love no matter how many times you hear it.

When it comes to uses, Chutney is like a Swiss Army knife. It can be used as a dip, a spread, a marinade, the possibilities are endless. Pickles, however, are more like a hammer. It does one job very well. 

But don't let that fool you, there's a time and a place for both. So whether you're feeling fancy or rugged, chutney or pickles have got you covered. And for both Quincey Jones Jelly Preserves Co. has you covered too!