Gherkins

Gherkins are the young fruit of dark green cucumbers, specially grown to be pickled in unsweetened vinegar. They are usually sold in jars and eaten with cold meats, sliced on top of hamburgers, or served with pâtés or terrines. Chopped into small pieces, they may be added to mayonnaise to make tartare sauce as an accompaniment to grilled or fried fish.

Gherkins are generally available in three sizes:

• Small
  Also known as cornichons, this is the best variety for eating with pâté.
• Medium
  Excellent with pickled herrings or salt beef.
• Large
  Used to make sweet or dill pickles, and eaten with salt beef and pastrami.