Chow-chow

Chow-chow (also spelled chowchow or chow chow) is a North American pickled relish.[1]

History

Possibly chow-chow found its way to the Southern United States during the expulsion of the Acadian people from Nova Scotia and their settlement in Louisiana. It is eaten by itself or as a condiment on fish cakes, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pinto beans, hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods. Southern food historian John Egerton cited a connection to relish recipes of Chinese rail workers in the 19th century.[2][3]

Preparation

An early 20th-century American recipe for chow chow was made with cucumbers, onions, cauliflower and green peppers left overnight in brine, boiled in (cider) vinegar with whole mustard seed and celery seeds, then mashed into a paste with mustard, flour and turmeric.[4]

Regional variations

Its ingredients vary considerably, depending on whether it is the "Northern" (primarily Pennsylvanian) or "Southern" variety, as well as separate (and likely the original) Canadian variety, prevalent in the Maritimes. The former is made from a combination of vegetables, mainly green and red tomatoes, onions, carrots, beans of various types, asparagus, cauliflower and peas. The latter is entirely or almost entirely green tomatoes or cabbage. These ingredients are pickled in a canning jar. After preserving, chow-chow is served cold, often as a condiment or relish.[3]

See also

  • Mixed pickle – Pickles made from a variety of vegetables mixed in the same pickling process
  • Chutney – South Asian condiments made of spices, vegetables, and fruit
  • Piccalilli – British relish of chopped pickled vegetables and spices
  • Branston pickle – British food brand known for its pickled chutney
  • South Asian pickles – Pickled varieties of vegetable and fruit
  • Giardiniera – Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil
  • List of pickled foods

References

  1. ↑ Skrabec, Q.R. (2009). H.J. Heinz: A Biography. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-7864-5332-0. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  2. ↑ The Mountain Laurel, "Southern Sweet Chow-Chow Relish"
  3. 1 2 "What is chow chow? This pickled condiment is a Southern staple". TODAY.com. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  4. ↑ Y.W.C.A. Cook Book. 1908. p. 45.
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