Understanding the Pickle Family Tree
Before diving into the specifics of why some people believe bread and butter pickles are superior, it's crucial to understand the hierarchy of pickles. Bread and butter pickles are, in fact, a specific variety within the larger category of sweet pickles. This means that while all bread and butter pickles are sweet, not all sweet pickles have the complex flavor profile of the bread and butter variety. The defining characteristics are what separate them. While sweet pickles rely primarily on a sweet brine, bread and butter pickles add layers of savory spices to create a more balanced flavor.
The Birth of Bread and Butter Pickles
The story of the bread and butter pickle is a piece of American food history. It is widely attributed to Omar and Cora Fanning, cucumber farmers from Illinois in the 1920s. Faced with financial hardship during the Great Depression, they used a family recipe to pickle their smaller, excess cucumbers. These jars were often bartered for household essentials, including bread and butter, giving the pickles their memorable name. The Fannings eventually trademarked the name "Fanning's Bread and Butter Pickles" in 1923. This origin story helps explain the pickle's more standardized recipe and defined flavor profile, unlike the broader, more varied recipes found across the sweet pickle category.
The Versatility of Sweet Pickles
General sweet pickles, which include styles like sweet gherkins or candied pickles, offer a wider spectrum of sweetness. Their brine is often heavily sweetened and can feature a variety of spices, but is not as standardized as the bread and butter recipe. This variation can be a strength for those who prefer an intensely sweet or milder flavor. Sweet pickles are frequently found in relish trays, cheese boards, and are sometimes even enjoyed as a standalone snack. However, some critics find their sweetness cloying or overpowering, especially if the sugar content is very high.
Bread and Butter vs. Sweet Pickles: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To really decide which pickle is "better," a detailed comparison is necessary. It’s not a simple case of one being superior, but rather a question of application and flavor balance.
| Feature | Bread and Butter Pickles | General Sweet Pickles |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Complex sweet and savory balance; more tangy than sweet. | Primarily sweet with a less complex spice profile. |
| Key Spices | Celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric, cloves. | Varies widely, may include cinnamon, allspice, or dill seed. |
| Texture | Often thinly sliced with a softer, less sharp crunch. | Can vary from spears to chips, often retaining a firmer crunch. |
| Shape | Predominantly crinkle-cut chips, sometimes thinly sliced. | Wide variety of shapes, including spears, chips, and whole gherkins. |
| Common Uses | Burgers, chicken salad, sandwiches, relish. | Relish trays, cheese boards, standalone snacks, garnishes. |
Texture and Slice Shape
One of the most noticeable differences is the cut of the pickle. Bread and butter pickles are almost universally sold as crinkle-cut chips. This shape, combined with the way they are brined, tends to make them softer and more pliable than many other sweet pickles. The thin slices absorb more of the brine more quickly, contributing to this softer texture. Conversely, other types of sweet pickles often retain a sharper, firmer snap, especially if they are pickled as whole gherkins or thick spears. For those who prefer a crisp bite, a sweet gherkin may be preferable, whereas the softer texture of a bread and butter pickle is ideal for sandwiches and salads where it can blend seamlessly.
The Spice Blend
The distinctive flavor of bread and butter pickles comes from their specific blend of savory spices, which typically includes mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric. This combination creates a more complex, less sugary profile than the standard sweet pickle. While the sugar provides the sweetness, the spices add a tangy, earthy counterpoint that prevents the flavor from becoming one-dimensional. Sweet pickles, on the other hand, can have a more straightforward sweetness or a different spice blend altogether, such as cinnamon or cloves. This variety allows for more experimentation by manufacturers, but can also lead to more inconsistent results across brands.
Finding Your Perfect Pickle Match
Ultimately, the question of whether bread and butter pickles are better is subjective. Your decision should be based on how you plan to use the pickle and your own taste buds. Consider these points when making your choice:
- For sandwiches and burgers: The thin, soft slices and balanced flavor of bread and butter pickles make them a classic choice for burgers and sandwiches. The tangy sweetness cuts through rich, fatty meats without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- For relish and salads: Both types can be chopped into relish, but the sweeter, less spiced nature of a general sweet pickle might be preferred for some applications. However, some argue that bread and butter pickles make a superior relish due to their more complex flavor.
- For cheese boards and snacks: A whole, crunchy sweet gherkin can be a more elegant and satisfying option for a cheese board, offering a contrasting texture and burst of flavor.
- For those who dislike overpowering sweetness: If you find some sweet pickles too sugary, the savory spices in a bread and butter pickle might provide the balance you're looking for.
Conclusion
The debate over whether bread and butter pickles are better than sweet pickles is less about objective quality and more about personal preference and culinary application. All bread and butter pickles are a type of sweet pickle, but their distinctive recipe, including a savory spice mix and signature crinkle-cut chips, sets them apart. Bread and butter pickles offer a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor ideal for sandwiches and salads, while other sweet pickles provide a wider range of sweetness and texture for various uses, from snacking to cheese boards. Ultimately, the "better" pickle is the one that best suits your palate and recipe. A pickle enthusiast should explore the nuances of both to truly appreciate the depth and variety within this condiment category.
For a deeper dive into the history and science behind pickling, explore resources like the Old Farmer's Almanac for a fascinating look at this ancient preservation technique.
